Blue Sky Meadow is a 183-acre property off Highway 38 near Onyx Summit southeast of Big Bear Lake. The property, formerly known as Grace Valley Ranch, was used for many years as a summer camp. To ensure its long-term preservation, The Wildlands Conservancy purchased the site in 2002. At the Conservancy's invitation, the Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School operated at the site during the 2002-03 school year, serving fifth and sixth graders with an exemplary five-day, four-night education program. The Conservancy funded their attendance through the Los Angeles County Education Foundation, focusing on students from low-income communities.
In July 2003, the Foundation accepted the property as a gift from the Conservancy to provide high-quality science education and outdoor experiences for children and youth, with an emphasis on serving those with limited opportunities. Two of the Foundation's three board-adopted priority areas are directly related to the Blue Sky Meadow acquisition:
- Science and environmental education
- Services to children who are disadvantaged, disabled, or under court supervision
Within the next two years, important milestones were achieved, including the following:
- The collaborative efforts of the Foundation, the Outdoor Science School, and The Wildlands Conservancy were honored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
- The first annual Summer Science Camp was held, with partial funding from the Los Angeles Times.
- Blue Sky Meadow was accredited by the American Camp Association.
As we continue to provide programs and develop partnerships, we have learned that--for so many young people--Blue Sky Meadow is a place of "firsts": the first time in snow, the first dark-sky view of stars and galaxies, the first pond study, the first hike, the first understanding of biodiversity and resource conservation, the first experience of cooperative learning, the first discovery of abilities and aptitudes. Blue Sky Meadow is a place where lives are enriched, even changed, as children and youth experience nature as never before.
This is what drives us forward and generates our vision: making sure that no one is denied the Blue Sky Meadow experience due to income or disability. Our vision is that Blue Sky Meadow provides year-round, sustainable science and outdoor education opportunities for underserved kids in fully accessible facilities for many years to come.
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Location: Highway 38 · Big Bear City, · Tel (909) 585-7225 · Fax (909) 585-6598 Business Address: 9300 Imperial Hwy., Rm. 106 · Downey, CA 90242 · Tel (562) 940-1602 · Fax (562) 940-1662 |
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