Activities at the IROEC are structured as outdoor learning experiences and is one of few facilities that offers comprehensive outdoor science program that incorporates character development and leadership activities in a safe and structured environment that integrates youth development and teamwork. The goal is to deliver quality education programs to youth from underserved areas or those youth that have never experienced outdoor education programs.
Many of today's underserved youth spend most of their growing-up years in urban or suburban areas and rarely have the opportunity to develop an appreciation for nature. Many of the youth in underserved, vulnerable or low income backgrounds in Orange County rarely get opportunities to supplement their in-school learning with outdoor and educational activities. We aim to provide scholarship support to youth that otherwise would not be able to attend residential science camp.
Many studies have shown that children learn and retain more when they have the opportunity for hands-on and interactive learning experiences, like those made available through outdoor education programs. The IROEC is one of few facilities in the area that offers affordable comprehensive outdoor science program operates year round and provides day and overnight residential outdoor experiences. Activities focus on leadership, education, service and adventure.
The goal of the academic science programs is to increase interest in science and environment among a higher number of youth by providing exciting and fun outdoor education opportunities. By focusing on at risk, vulnerable and undeserved youth, we assist in eliminating barriers that would otherwise limit the the target youth audience from participating in youth development and group activities in an outdoor setting.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
