SCICON: Transforming Young Minds and the Environment through Outdoor Education

SCICON, or the Outdoor School of Science and Conservation, is a unique educational institution located in Tulare County, CA. Operated by the Tulare County Office of Education, SCICON’s mission is to educate fifth and sixth graders on the significance of science and conservation. Each year, over 8,000 students visit the 1,170-acre campus to immerse themselves in nature and gain a deeper understanding of their impact on the environment.

Dianne Shew, director of SCICON, describes it as a magical place where students can experience the beauty of the outdoors while learning about environmental responsibility. The school offers various opportunities for hands-on learning experiences such as hiking, exploring aquatic life, and visiting a museum that showcases local wildlife and plants. One of its main goals is to instill a sense of responsibility towards protecting the environment for future generations.

In early 2023, SCICON was heavily damaged by historic flooding in the area which negatively affected the habitat of native salamanders. The Friends of SCICON organization received a grant from the Disney Conservation Fund to support efforts in restoring the salamander habitat. Disney “VoluntEARS” joined in the restoration efforts by helping to clear debris and revitalize the habitat. This grant along with volunteer efforts will not only help restore but also educate students on environmental conservation.

Dianne Shew believes that inspiring each child who visits SCICON to take action towards conservation can make significant strides in protecting our planet. With this support from grants and community initiatives like Disney’s VoluntEARS program, SCICON continues its mission to empower students to make a positive impact on our planet while also teaching them about scientific principles and environmental stewardship.