Each aspect of the VISTAS program is overseen by Trust staff and MUSD Chaperone(s). Transportation and meals for all events will be provided; VISTAS (and families for family-friendly events) will meet at Madera High School for transportation to and from each event.
Camping TripsDuring their time as VISTAS, students will attend two overnight campouts exploring the San Joaquin River watershed. Three Trust staff members and one MUSD chaperones will be on site during each campout. Each camp out will include exploratory hikes along the river or bay(s), guided group activities like canoeing and campfires, and time for personal reflection and capstone project development. Meals are provided; participants will cook their own meals on a camp stove or over a campfire on the evening of each camp out.
Local Trips
Local trips will include ongoing learning about the San Joaquin River and its connection to the Pacific Ocean through special field trips, guest presenters, and special activities like sunset swimming and downriver kayak trips. One meal and snacks for each local trip will be provided.
Service Learning DayAs part of their VISTAS experience, participants will host a service learning day removing invasive plant species along the Madera/Fresno stretches of the river. Participants will invite members of their community to attend, and together they will learn about the negative impacts of invasives and their effects on the river ecosystem.
Capstone ProjectsAs part of the program VISTAS will share something about their experience or the impact it has had on them through a creative project, called a Capstone Project. Capstones can include artwork in any medium, including paintings, photography, collage, spoken word or written poetry, excerpts from their nature journals, music composition or lyrics, or whatever expression of their experience each individual finds meaningful. Each VISTAS participant will have until September 30th to complete their Capstone Project through independent work and periodic check-ins with Trust staff. Beginning in November 2024 the VISTAS Capstone Projects will be on display at the Trust’s River Center Art Gallery in Fresno, where participants will host an exhibit opening and present their projects to friends, family, and members of the public. The exhibit will be on display for two months.
