The morning
began like any other, children excitedly conversing about what they’d
hope to experience on the trip, parents checking to make sure that their
kid’s weren’t forgetting to bring any items, while some wiped
tears from the cheeks of those who had last minute jitters about leaving
their mom’s for 4days and 3 nights. Besides those who were unsure
whether they wanted to go or not, it seemed as though everyone was ready
for the summer’s most anticipated trip, camping at New Brighton Beach
in Santa Cruz.
The group 53 kids, 3 grandmothers, three mothers, one Grandpa, four dads
and ten team leaders departed from the Robert’s Family Development
Center at 9:00am and arrived at UC Santa Cruz at noon. Ms. Blia, who planned
the entire trip became ill the morning o
f
the trip was replaced by Mr. Roberts and later with Mrs. Roberts to lend
a hand. (Mr. Roberts had to miss his grandmother’s 90th birthday,
but that’s another story). When they arrived the students were provided
with lunch at the campus dining commons, where they were overjoyed with
the many varieties of food. Most of the students couldn’t decide whether
they wanted a cheeseburger with fries or pepperoni pizza and a fresh green
salad, so most pilled both onto their already full plates. After a fulfilling
meal with Popsicles and ChocoTacos to top it off, they were split into two
groups. Those who were in grades 1st-5th were taken to the Marine Lab where
they were able to touch a few of the marine animals. “After lunch
we got into groups at the Marine Lab, where they let us look at and touch
the animals. My favorites were the starfish and the jellyfish. We also saw
the crabs eat and decorate themselves” said Nakida Lampkins.
While the 6th-9th graders were given a tour of The Center for Agroecology
& Sustainable Food Systems, which was the school’s farm and agricultural
center. Here students learned how the UC grew its very own fruit and vegetables
on a hillside 2-acre farm. Everything from squash and cucumbers to sunflowers
and carrots are grown there. The center is part of the farm-to-college program
that brings organic produce to the campus dining halls through direct interaction
with local farmers.
Following the group tours, the students were taken back to the dining commons
for dinner. Soon after refueling themselves the groups rejoined each other,
gave thanks to the staff and tour guides of UCSC, and departed for the campgrounds.
After arriving at the campsite, with the amazing scenic view of the Monterey
Bay (Pacific Ocean), the groups were once again separated according to their
grade clusters and taken to their official campsite. The first night was in
introduction into camping, where the students learned how to set up their
own tents, which they learned from Mr. E (or Mystery as most of the children
pronounced it). Next it was time for the kids to divide into their tent groups,
say their good nights, and rest themselves for the next day’s activities.
The days
following their arrival, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the groups learned
new team building games and activities from the FamCamp staff. Several of
the activities were designed so that the children would learn how to successfully
achieve a common goal, only by working together. They discovered that by assisting
each other through obstacles and challenges, they would succeed.
By the expressions of the youth and staff, it appeared as though the outing
was a success. When Sunday rolled around there were a few students that were
saddened because they knew that they would be going back home to “Boring
ol’ Sacramento” as one student put it. However, there were numerous
students who couldn’t wait to get back, not because they missed home,
but because they couldn’t wait to tell their families all about the
trip.
Before the group departed they were given instructions on how to break camp.
Which included taking down the tents correctly and doing a campsite clean
up. When all of the staff’s and student’s belongings were packed
away, there was still one more stop to make, Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. The
children were all given a wristband that allowed them to ride all of the rides
at the boardwalk for free. At 4:00 everyone was rounded up and accounted for,
then it was back to Sacramento.
Overall the trip was a great success. It allowed the children a chance to
enjoy the outdoors while learning to work with each other. Had it not been
for this trip, many of the students may not have been able to experience anything
like this. The Roberts Family Development Center has given these youth the
opportunity to see what the world has to offer them. With hard work and dedication
they know they can go far.
Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Roberts
from all of the RFDC family (staff & students) 
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Harold R.
Williams Jr.