Last week our Third Graders traveled to Rawhide Ranch for a wonderful outdoor education experience. Our Third Grade teacher, Ms. Jessica Schwartz, relates the details of this outstanding experience:
“We spent three great days and two nights at Rawhide Ranch, nestled in the avocado groves of Bonsall, CA, San Diego County, east of Oceanside.It was a wonderful disconnect from the technological world for all of us, giving us the opportunity to connect with a bygone area focused on horses and other animals.”
“Learning was at the forefront of the entire experience for each student – the days were filled with great classes and hands-on opportunities particular to the Ranch culture: horseback riding, vaulting (gymnastics on horseback), roping, horse science, horse psychology, animal science, and animal care. We also learned country dancing, took a nature hike, panned for gold, and engaged in team building exercises.”
“In addition to myself, we were accompanied by our Lab Science Teacher, Mrs. Kathy Mallon, and four dads who were terrific: Rick Edler, Ted Vetterlein, Javier Martinez, and Andre Obalek. The Rawhide Ranch staff was excellent, and they so appreciated the politeness of our students and the character qualities they exhibited.”
“This ranch experience is tied to our language arts and science curriculum, and the importance of horses in our country’s history and the culture of Native Americans. Taking responsibility for the care of animals was a focus of the entire experience. Each day, after breakfast and before dinner, the children were in charge of caring for not only the horses, but the goats, sheep, cows, and chickens at the Ranch.”
“It was interesting to see how well the students worked as a team outside the normal classroom setting, learning new skills, building personal responsibility, and having such fun!”

Tags: Rawhide Ranch