A group of young foster students from across Kern County experienced more than just hands-on learning — they began making their mark as future civic leaders. For three weeks, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) hosted its third annual Foster Youth STEAM Summer Camp at the Kern County Museum. The free program welcomed 23 incoming third through sixth graders currently active in the foster care system.
In addition to flying drones, building robots, and exploring art and science, this year’s campers participated in community service projects that earned them State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) Elementary Pathway Awards — a first for many of them.
“Most of these students have never gotten an award before,” said Allyson Baptiste, KCSOS Foster Youth Coordinator. “It’s really great for them to be able to feel like they accomplished something. I’m sure that many of these youth will be very excited to bring their certificates home and have them on the wall.”
The SSCE is a California initiative that awards high school students who demonstrate expertise in civics education and participate in community or civics-based projects. The program recently expanded to include pathways for middle and elementary school students. These foster youth are among the first in the state to qualify for the award in the new elementary school pathway. Superintendent Dr. John Mendiburu presented the students with a certificate and a green and gold cord, which can be worn around the neck at an elementary school graduation ceremony. He said projects like this are an opportunity for students to learn new things and to support their community.
“It was a great day for all,” Dr. Mendiburu said. “Providing them with the award today signified not only their exposure to civics but their expertise and giving back to the community.”
Throughout the camp, students took part in environmental stewardship projects around the busy Kern County Museum grounds, including trash pickup and recycling efforts. Students learned the five Rs: Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, Repurpose, and Recycle, and created an art project that repurposed the trash they had cleaned up the day before. The projects helped deepen the campers’ understanding of sustainability and environmental care.
“They’re learning a lot about taking care of the earth, loving the earth, what it means to take care of your neighbors, the environment, and your community,” Baptiste added.
Students repurpose trash into art pieces.
The civic engagement focus was further supported by cultural learning experiences. Members of the Choctaw tribe visited the students, shared ceremonial dances, and spoke about native traditions, symbols, and the importance of mindfulness and nature.
“When the Choctaw tribe came, they had a word for the day: mindful,” Baptiste explained. “One of the biggest messages they get is respecting each other, respecting your community, being a helper, and caring about others around you.”
Students also explored career paths tied to STEAM fields. KCSOS’s College and Career team helped connect their activities to potential futures — from drone technology to environmental sciences and creative arts.
Two memorable field trips — to Tehachapi Mountain Park and Camp KEEP Ocean — provided students with the opportunity to explore nature beyond their neighborhoods. For many, it was their first time seeing the ocean. Others were awestruck by their first-ever deer sighting on the mountain park bus ride.
“Things that we take for granted, these kids have not been exposed to, that’s why it’s so important,” Baptiste said.
The camp is also one of few opportunities where separated siblings in foster care — often placed in different homes or districts — get to spend extended time together. Baptiste said that is her favorite part of the camp every year. She says giving these foster students a chance to shine shows what great leaders they can be.
“These kids have been through so much adversity that they actually have a ton to offer,” she said. “We just have to give them the chance to experience these different programs for them to show their own leadership qualities.”
Dr. Mendiburu agreed, saying he’s proud of the students who often face difficult circumstances and who are not always presented with the same opportunities as other students.
“This camp was an opportunity for them to really be who they are, to give back to the community, and to grow into themselves as individuals,” he said.
By Katie Avery
Katie Avery joined the Kern County Superintendent of Schools in 2023 as a Communications Specialist. As a former journalist and marketing professional, her passions include media and storytelling. Before joining KCSOS, Avery worked for various local TV stations as well as the health care industry.