News from California Missions Foundation -- MIssion Visits with "All Aboard the Bus," Mission Events

California Missions Foundation

July 2012

Latest News from California Missions Foundation

Dear Friends,

In last month's newsletter, we met Dr. Ruben Mendoza, Director of Cal State Monterey Bay's Institute for Archaeological Science, Technology and Visualization. In the fourth grade, Dr. Mendoza discovered history and anthropology through a visit to Mission San Juan Bautista, which became the foundation of his professional career.

Similarly, young people today have the opportunity to visit historic Mission sites through our "All Aboard the Bus" initiative. Unfortunately, some people think of history as a dry subject -- even boring! It doesn't have to be this way. The people who lived in California hundreds of years ago were like you and me, and learning more about them by seeing how they lived and worked shows how our past and present are connected, and brings that history to life.

We are also pleased to feature an expanded listing of upcoming summer Mission events. With lively music, delicious food, authentic crafts and Mission tours, there's something for pretty much everyone of any age to enjoy. We've got event dates and descriptions, along with links to each website so you can find out more information about how to get there and other activities in which to participate during your visit.

If you know of someone who might be interested in finding out more about California Missions, we encourage you to with them. And if you have questions, comments, or ideas for topics you'd like us to address in future newsletters, please don't hesitate to reply to this email. We love hearing from you!

[ Photo of Knox Mellon ]

-Knox

Dr. Knox Mellon
Executive Director
California Missions Foundation

"All Aboard the Bus 2012" Visits San Juan Bautista

[ All Aboard the Bus California Mission Foundation ]

Children from Cesar Chavez Elementary School in Greenfield visited Mission San Juan Bautista in May as part of their California mandated social studies program. Through the "All Aboard The Bus" initiative, they were able to enjoy a field trip to the mission they studied. Rather than just reading from a book, they learned with all of their senses -- through the sound of voices resonating in the church, the vivid colors of the artistry, the smell of roses in the courtyard and the rough texture of an adobe wall.

The whole experience of the visit combined to create a lasting memory and, hopefully, develop a curiosity about everything else they will ever learn.

The ALL ABOARD THE BUS PROGRAM sends 5,785 fourth graders to visit California Missions. Dr. Knox Mellon, Executive Director of the California Missions Foundation, announced grants totaling $33,716.82 to 67 "Title 1" elementary schools for field trips by fourth graders.

In greater Los Angeles and Monterey County, 5,785 students and 614 adult chaperones from 209 classrooms in 67 schools visited Missions San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Antonio and San Juan Bautista. In addition to funding 80% of the bus transportation, the All Aboard The Bus program provides supplementary educational materials about the missions to fourth grade teachers.

Grants to the schools this year are made possible by the generous contributions of The William H. Hannon Foundation, The Monterey Peninsula Foundation, the Upjohn California Foundation and the California Missions Foundation. 20% of the funding for the trips must be raised by the participating schools. Would you like to help by sponsoring a class field trip or making a donation? We welcome your support -- please download and print the form here. Or, if you prefer, you can contact our office by phone at (831) 622-7500, email us or make a donation online.

July & August Featured California Mission Events

There's no shortage of things to do this summer at California's Missions!

San Juan Capistrano | Music Under the Stars
August 4, August 18, September 1

Mission San Juan Capistrano will present five evening concerts featuring tribute bands beginning in July and continuing through Labor Day Weekend, Saturday, September 1, 2012. The concerts feature picnic dining and dancing to a variety of live music in the Mission's scenic courtyard. Seating is available either at a reserved table, or on your own lawn chair. More Information

Mission Santa Barbara | Old Spanish Days Fiesta

Wednesday August 1 -- Sunday August 5

A variety of events, including docent-led tours, a mercado with authentic Mexican foods and crafts, carnival rides and attractions for kids and live entertainment for grownups are all on offer at Mission Santa Barbara's Old Spanish Days Fiesta. Please visit the Mission website for the complete event calendar. More Information

Mission Santa Inés | 41st Annual Fiesta

Sunday August 19, 12:30pm-5:30pm

Join us for a whirlwind of music and entertainment, delectable foods, crafts and game booths for kids and adults. Proceeds support the ongoing restoration at the Mission. No admission fee.

More Information

California Mission Ride | various locations

August 18 -- September 16

...and on August 18, the start of the California Mission Ride, with seven riders visiting 22 Mission sites on horseback. The first phase begins in Sonoma, and ends in Mission San Miguel on September 16. We'll be featuring a whole lot more information about this unique event in next month's newsletter.

You can help us to preserve California's historic missions and all their cultural treasures!

Call our office at (831) 622-7500 to donate by credit card, or click the button below to donate via PayPal!

About California Missions Foundation

Nothing defines California's heritage as significantly or emotionally as do the 21 missions that were founded along the coast from San Diego to Sonoma. Their beauty, stature, and character underlie the formation of California. All 21 missions are California Historical Landmarks; many have also been designated National Historic Landmarks. The missions are among the most popular tourist destinations in the state, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Founded in 1998, the California Missions Foundation was established with the objective of preserving and protecting the missions. The Foundation is the only statewide organization dedicated to the long-term preservation and restoration needs of all California missions and their associated historic and cultural resources for public benefit.

Visit us online at www.californiamissionsfoundation.org.