Truman Benedict Elementary School is very excited for students to attend Science Camp at (IROEC) Irvine Ranch Outdoor Education Center (March 5-7, 2025) to enhance and enrich their education as they work toward mastery of the science standards.
In preparation for 5th grade bobcats to attend science camp at IROEC, TBES will hold a live parent meeting on site, Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 7pm in the MPR. At the meeting IROEC staff and Benedict 5th grade teachers will provide information about the camp and give parents an opportunity to ask questions. You can also learn more about science camp by visiting the IROEC website at: https://www.outdooreducationcenter.org/.
The cost of camp per child is $500 (cost includes food and lodging for 3 days/2 nights, charter bus transportation, and counselor/educator stipends). Since TBES must submit full payment before camp, they need to collect the funds from students that wish to participate.
In an effort to provide payment flexibility, contributions to camp may be paid via check (made out to TBES, please write your child’s name in the memo section) OR by credit/debit card with 3% service fee included (via FREF website).
Contributions may be paid in full ($500) before 10/5/24, or in two parts ($250 before 10/5/24 and $250 before 10/25/24).
Please note that TBES is required to provide a final headcount to IROEC and Transportation on October 5, 2024. Due to camp accommodations and transportation seating limitations, no additional students may be added after that 10/4/24.
Here is some additional information about IROEC and District field trips from TBES Principal, Mr. Brandt. The following information applies to all public/CUSD school field trip programs, as required by the laws cited:
IROEC staff must undergo reference and background checks (including fingerprinting and requirements similar to those required for District employees). While at Outdoor Education, just as when at any school function, primary responsibility for student supervision and safety falls on the District’s certificated staff. During your student’s field trip, a 5th Grade Team of Teachers from Benedict will be present in addition to the IROEC staff. During Outdoor Education, students stay in cabins with private showers and bathrooms. The cabins are primarily supervised by IROEC staff in the evening.
Student Cabin Assignment
Students who attend Outdoor Education have the right to participate, and use facilities, consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the student’s record. (Ed. Code, § 221.5(f).)
Camp Staff Assignment
Similarly, the California Gender Nondiscrimination Law requires adults have access to facilities that align with their gender identity. (Cal. Civ. Code, § 51.) Privacy rights protect disclosure of information about an individual’s gender to the public, and thus, information about other individuals in your student’s cabin cannot be shared, other than to clarify that all individuals in the “female” cabin primarily identify as female, and all individuals in the “male” cabin primarily identify as male. To the extent an individual is non-binary, the individual must select a primary gender for the purpose of use of single-sex facilities.
We have a fabulous educational trip planned for your child to IROEC in Irvine. In the event that your child feels uncomfortable or has questions while at camp, they are encouraged to speak to their teacher at any time. If you have questions or concerns about any aspect of 5th grade camp, please feel free to call or email me at mkbrandt@capousd.org.
Sincerely,
Mike Brandt
Mike Brandt, Principal
Truman Benedict Elementary School