SAN JOSE, CA – On Monday, July 23,
Walden West was named the "Best Overnight Camp" in Silicon Valley by Bay Area Parent Magazine as part of the 2018 Best of the Best: Reader's Choice Awards.
"We are honored to be a part of the education and growth experiences of all our campers, and we appreciate the support of our local families who have voted for our wonderful program," stated County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan.
Walden West is a member of the American Camp Association and undergoes a thorough accreditation process where the program meets or exceeds nationally recognized criteria, up to 300 standards for health, safety, and quality.
"Walden West is a remarkable program that provides students hands-on environmental science education while allowing students to develop personal responsibility, independence and an understanding of the natural world around them. We provide enrichment opportunities for students throughout our diverse county.
The Walden West Foundation offers scholarships to families who may require financial assistance," added Dr. Dewan.
The Foundation offers scholarships for both summer and school year programming and will focus on the week-long, residential science camp during the school year. Most of the summer campers come from the area around Saratoga. The Foundation desires to assist students from Title 1 schools outside of the immediate area.
With two locations in Saratoga and Cupertino, Walden West provides a variety of programs for 15,000 students annually in Santa Clara County from pre-kindergarten through high school. Services include
Outdoor Science School for fifth- and sixth-grade students, gardening programs for kindergarten through sixth-grade students,
summer camps, and
volunteer opportunities for high school students as cabin leaders.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 23 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.
About Walden West
For almost 70 years, Walden West has provided hands-on, outdoor school experiences in the environmental sciences for the children of Santa Clara County. Walden West's main facility, in the Saratoga hills, and a second location in the Cupertino hills use the outdoors to teach science concepts while introducing students to natural environments.
About Walden West Foundation
Walden West Foundation, established in 1996, works to benefit the children of Santa Clara County in developing a life-long passion for science, engineering, and environmental stewardship. The Foundation has raised millions to support students through facility improvements and student scholarships.