Aren't we lucky to live in San Diego?!

June 2024

Aren’t We Lucky to Live in San Diego?!

Quality time in nature is great for kids’ bodies, minds, and hearts, and no state is better-positioned than California to leverage the great outdoors to augment children’s health and well-being — especially for youth in underserved communities.

From the California Governor's office

San Diego - Nature’s Playground

San Diegans hit the jackpot when it comes to natural beauty and resources. We’ve got beaches, deserts, mountains, and everything in between right in our backyard. Not every family has the time or resources to dive into all this natural awesomeness. That’s where ArtsBusXpress comes in!

Our local teachers know that getting kids out of the classroom and into the open air is pure magic for curious minds. ArtsBusXpress is all about funding buses for these epic field trips. One of our favorite spots? The incredible San Diego Mission Trails Regional Park.

Adventure Awaits at Mission Trails!

Recently, ABX funded transportation for 52 students from Pacific Sky School to Mission Trails Regional Park. Pacific Sky is a Title 1 school in Del Mar Union School District. None of these 52 kids had ever visited Mission Trails before.

Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego

A visit to Mission Trails feels like stepping into a time machine. With a history that goes back thousands of years, it’s the ultimate outdoor classroom. Students explore diverse ecosystems, dive into the past, and connect with indigenous cultures. They go on guided hikes and learn all about the Kumeyaay people and their deep connection to the land through hands-on activities. These young adventurers come away with a new appreciation for our region's cultural heritage.

A field trip to Mission Trails teaches students about the land's rich history and its importance today.

Third grade students from Pacific Sky Elementary School learn about the Kumeyaay on a field trip to Mission Trails Regional park.

What Students Said

“Learning about the Kumeyaay and seeing the movie was really cool.”
“I got to learn new stuff.”
“It was great because we got to see the plants and what the Kumeyaay made with them.”
“It made me think about the old times.”

What Teachers Said

“It was very enriching for the students to see real-world examples of the Kumeyaay artifacts and environment. Visiting Mission Trails was a fantastic learning opportunity.”

Springing Into the Flower Fields

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad are a blooming great spot for an outdoor field trip! Open from mid-March to early May, this experience is perfect for next school year’s spring adventure. Kids plant sunflowers, learn about composting, get creative with art or music activities, discover how to be water-wise, and even hop on a tractor wagon ride. It’s a field trip full of color and fun!

One hundred and twenty five second grade students learn about composting, seed planting and the ecosystem of bugs at the Carlsbad Flower Fields.

Give the Gift of Nature

Want to connect a classroom to nature during the 24/25 school year? Your gift can make that happen! The Places To Go tab on the ABX website reveals all of the choices. Contact us, and we’ll help you transport students to an amazing outdoor experience. Email info@artsbusxpress.org or donate below.