Hundreds Attend Cuyamaca Outdoor School Open House

More than 1,000 people attended Cuyamaca Outdoor School’s Open House this past weekend, getting a chance to see camp facilities, meet staff, and enjoy some of the activities that students participate in while at camp.

The annual Open House offers a great way for parents to get familiar with camp ahead of their child's visit and ask questions, and for students to get a sense of what they’ll experience when they attend camp.

Throughout the event, the staff offered tours that included a look inside the cabins and one of the learning areas, shared what to expect during the week, and answered questions. The dining hall was open to everyone to eat and purchase food and drinks sold by the Cuyamaca Outdoor Foundation.

Linda, a parent from Kumeyaay Elementary in the San Diego Unified School District, came with her fifth grader Madeline to see the facilities and get a sense of what her daughter will experience during her trip in May.

“I just wanted to check out the space and see where they would be sleeping and eating, and what activities they would be doing,” Linda said.

Madeline was excited about the bouldering, but also wanted more information about the two-minute showers. Her friend, Polly and her mom Dani, came as well. Dani’s older child attended camp a few years ago and her daughter is going this year, but she had never been to the facility and wanted to check it out.

A teacher from Audubon K-8, also in San Diego Unified, came to ask questions and get a sense of the week for his students in October. He knew many of his families would not be able to make it to the Open House, so he came to gather information for them. He said it had been 10 years since the school had students attend the original Sixth Grade Camp.

More than 1,000 people registered and attended the event. A few patrons braved the heat for an afternoon hike and crafts, while many went indoors to meet the school’s resident barn owl or enjoy snacks and drinks in the dining hall.