Nestled in the foothills of Tulare County, California, SCICON is a unique outdoor school dedicated to instilling in students a love for science and conservation. Operated by the Tulare Office of Education, the school hosts over 8,000 fifth and sixth graders each year. Director Dianne Shew describes SCICON as a magical place where students can learn about nature, caring for the earth, and developing respect for themselves and others.
Covering 1,170 acres and bordering National Forest land, SCICON provides students with ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors through hikes of varying difficulty levels, lessons on aquatic life, and visits to a museum showcasing local flora and fauna. One student, Gavin, appreciates the fresh mountain air and recognizes the impact of human actions on the environment.
In early 2023, SCICON suffered significant damage from severe flooding caused by historic rains in California. The flooding endangered the fragile salamander habitat located on SCICON’s property. In response to this crisis, the Friends of SCICON organization received a grant from the Disney Conservation Fund to aid in habitat restoration efforts. Disney’s “VoluntEARS” participated in these efforts by helping clear debris left behind by the flooding. The grant will also be used to educate students about conservation efforts related to salamander habitat restoration.
Shew believes that instilling a love for the environment in students is crucial for future generations. By encouraging children to take small actions in their daily lives to protect our planet, SCICON aims to make a positive impact on our earth. Disney supports SCICON’s conservation efforts and believes that every individual has a role to play in preserving our precious natural resources.
SCICON’s mission is not only limited to teaching science but also focuses on instilling environmental awareness among young minds. Through its various programs and activities, it encourages children to appreciate nature’s beauty while also developing an understanding of their responsibility towards it.
With its stunning location surrounded by lush greenery and diverse wildlife, SCICON offers an immersive learning experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else. It is truly inspiring how such an institution is working tirelessly towards shaping up responsible citizens who are well-equipped with knowledge about science and conservation.
Overall, SCICON’s commitment towards sustainability sets an excellent example for schools all around California. With its unique approach towards education combined with its focus on environmental stewardship, it undoubtedly deserves all the support it receives from organizations like Disney Conservation Fund.
As we continue our journey towards a more sustainable future, institutions like SCICON play a vital role in shaping up young minds that will help us navigate through complex environmental challenges ahead of us.