In thirty-two years of teaching in Oakland, certain experiences with my classes have left me with a feeling of accomplishment and possibility. One of those recurring experiences has been to take my students to the Missions Springs Outdoor Education science camp every year. We visit the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains for three days of hiking and climbing, observing and investigating outdoor science. We get to know each other away from the distractions of urban modern life. The deep connections we make during that time usually last longer than anything else we do during the year. Former students who return to tell me what they are doing now, more often than not, ask me to take out the photos I keep tucked away specifically for these special visits. Those are the teaching experiences I treasure. Yes, the science is great. But what I value most are the joyful memories the children and I have built in Mission Springs.

First Missions Springs Camp, 2006