Pleasant Valley Students Share Science Camp Experience with Gold Oak School Board
Two students from Pleasant Valley Middle School recently stepped into the spotlight, becoming the first students to present before the Gold Oak Union School District Board of Trustees.
Sixth graders Emmy Emmons and Hazel Gillihan delivered a presentation at the district’s February board meeting, sharing their experiences from last fall’s Science Camp at the Sly Park Environmental Education Center.
The students worked together to develop a slide presentation and speech describing their weeklong outdoor education program in September. Their presentation focused on personal growth, teamwork and hands-on environmental learning.
Science Camp, a long-standing educational program in El Dorado County, gives students the opportunity to study science in a natural setting. Activities often include forest ecology, wildlife observation and environmental stewardship lessons that complement classroom learning.
During their presentation, Emmons and Gillihan described how the experience helped them face personal challenges while forming new friendships and building confidence.
Pleasant Valley sixth-grade teacher Jessica Trumble said the experience has had a lasting impact on the students.
“I cannot express how proud and excited I am to see the growth of all our sixth graders this past year—especially Emmy and Hazel,” Trumble said. “Science Camp helped them overcome fears, create lasting memories, and experience meaningful learning outside the classroom. It made a difference for them, and now they are helping inspire next year’s sixth graders.”
District officials say the presentation also highlights the broader impact of outdoor education programs offered through Gold Oak Union School District. Administrators are already preparing for the 2026–2027 Science Camp season in partnership with the Sly Park Environmental Education Center.
The district serves students at Gold Oak Elementary School and Pleasant Valley Middle School, emphasizing both academic achievement and personal development.
School leaders say the students’ presentation provided a meaningful reminder of the value of experiential learning.
As planning begins for the next class of sixth graders, district educators hope Emmy and Hazel’s example will encourage future students to embrace the challenges—and rewards—of Science Camp.
For more information about GOUSD please visit: https://goes.gousd.org/
