(L to R): Cara Schukoske, DMUSD director of student services; Shelley Petersen, DMUSD assistant superintendent of instructional services; and Pat Talmon, vice president of philanthropic programs, Rancho San Dieguito Assistance League.
The Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito June 17 presented a $3,375 donation to the Del Mar Union School District in support of scholarships to the 6th Grade Outdoor Education Camp Program. Pat Talmon, vice president of philanthropic programs, on behalf of the Rancho San Dieguito Assistance League, presented the contribution to Shelley Petersen, assistant superintendent of instructional services, and Cara Schukoske, director of student services, at the Del Mar Union School District. The Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito, through their philanthropic program Operation School Bell®/Science Camp Scholarships, donates funds for camp scholarships for children needing financial support to participate in the 6th grade camp experience.
The news release from the chapter reads:
Outdoor fun and science are a winning combination for sixth graders in the Encinitas Union School District. Every school year the students attend the Outdoor Education Program at YMCA Camp Marston to participate in hands-on experiential outdoor science classes. The program has been described by a school principal as an “invaluable experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else.”
The outdoor, overnight camp is a unique experience for the students. They enjoy learning outside the classroom setting and return home with an increased appreciation for the outdoors. The sixth grade teachers who accompany their students to the camp say that the students leave camp “more responsible, more self aware,” and have learned to work collaboratively together.
In addition to outdoor classes, the students engage in numerous social activities such as rock wall climbing, canoeing and archery.
The average cost for attending Camp Marston is $250. This cost is prohibitive for families experiencing
financial difficulty. Community support helps the children of these families attend camp and relieves the financial burden on school districts.
Assistance League Rancho San Dieguito also recently presented the Encinitas School District a check
for $14,650. Pat Talmon, VP of Philanthropic Programs, presented the check to Gary Warren, Literacy and Outreach Coordinator, Educational Services andLeighangela Brady, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services.
Assistance League Rancho San Dieguito is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children and adults affected by trauma, violence and poverty. It is one of more than 120 chapters of National Assistance League, a nonprofit organization dedicated to putting “caring and commitment into action.” To learn more about Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito, visit their website www.alrsd.org.
