Fall Campout Brings Families Together

Last Month ForestWatch collaborated with longtime partner, Padres Juntos Promoviendo La Educacion (Parents United to Advance Education), to bring together families from the South Coast for a weekend of camping, learning, workshops, recreation, wellness, and fun.

The group gathered at the majestic group campsite in El Capitan State Beach (the first time visiting for most participants in the group) to take in the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean to the south, with a view of the Los Padres to the north. The gathering was the culmination of programming for the year. It included a discussion around existing threats to public lands like logging and oil development, access, and the many advocacy opportunities that exist, and how to get involved.

With luck on our side, the campout was scheduled for a weekend where the park would experience minus tides (super low tides in comparison to the rest of the year), and participants were able to take advantage of some of the best tide-pooling in the area with a ranger from California State Parks.

All the elements for a truly special campout came together for the weekend—a full moon, a sun setting over the Pacific Ocean, great food, many laughs, and a warm campfire.

Thanks to our community partner REI Co-Op Santa Barbara, for hosting a movie night for the families. Their outdoor films programming was inspiring for the youth and gave the families an expanded view of all the many ways one can define adventure, recreation, and the great outdoors.

A big thank you to the families who joined us and to Padres Juntos who continues to be a great partner.

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