Outdoor learning spaces are few and far between but not for students in Casa Pacifica’s Non-Public School. The school’s teaching garden continues to bloom with the addition of a new outdoor learning space: The Learning Pavilion, made possible by Driscoll’s. Nestled within the1,200-square-foot garden, this outdoor classroom will expand opportunities for hands-on learning in agriculture, nutrition, and environmental science.
Since its establishment in 2021 the teaching garden has served as a hub for experiential education, where youth engage deeply in every aspect of plant life – from nurturing soil to harvesting a variety of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. Beyond fostering gardening skills, the program instills curiosity and responsibility, imparting essential lessons in teamwork and environmental stewardship.
Recent research underscores the benefits of outdoor learning environments on student development. Beyond expanding academic horizons, time spent in nature promotes health, happiness, and a deeper sense of connectivity to the world around them. The Learning Pavilion amplifies these benefits, providing a shaded sanctuary where up to 20 students and teachers can engage in lessons and activities.
Ali Villegas, Casa Pacifica’s Farm to School Program Coordinator, highlights the transformative impact of this new space: “The shaded pavilion provides comfort and safety for students as they engage in interactive science lessons right next to the garden, where they can explore plant biology and study wildlife, particularly insects, in their natural habitat.”
Made possible through generous donations from longstanding supporters of Casa Pacifica, including Driscoll’s, and Yardi, The Learning Pavilion exemplifies community collaboration at its finest. Beyond its educational role, the classroom serves as a versatile venue for recreational activities like painting, crafting, and journaling, enriching students’ experiences and fostering creativity.
“At Driscoll’s, we aim to strengthen the communities where we live and grow through unique community investments and partnerships like we see here with Casa Pacifica,” says Moises Hurtado, District Manager at Driscoll’s. “We welcomed the opportunity to help Casa Pacifica bring this open-air classroom to life as part of our efforts to create more opportunities for childhood youth and development. This space will provide students with alternative learning experiences and it’s our hope that it will also inspire them to connect with each other, their food, and the outdoors in a new way.”
Villegas believes The Learning Pavilion has opened new doors for learning opportunities. “This outdoor learning space helps kids thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. Within a few days of its construction kids were already utilizing the space for a place to study or simply spend some relaxing time outdoors.”
This sentiment resonates throughout Casa Pacifica, where the integration of outdoor classrooms like this pavilion not only enhances educational outcomes but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for nature and community. With every harvest and lesson beneath its roof, this outdoor classroom inspires growth – both in the garden and in the hearts and minds of those who tend it.
Casa Pacifica youth diligently tending the Casa Pacifica Teaching Garden.
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About Casa Pacifica
Headquartered in Camarillo, California, Casa Pacifica is the largest non-profit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. It’s nationally accredited programs and services include residential treatment, therapeutic behavioral services, wraparound services, mobile crisis response, transitional youth services and foster care services along with a fully-certified, diploma-granting Non-Public School. Casa Pacifica specializes in treating children and youth who struggle with complex mental health challenges including anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation. Nearly 52,500 children have been admitted to one of its programs since 1994.
To learn more, visit casapacifica.org, email info@casapacifica.org or call 805-366-4040.