On November 11, from 12:00 pm through 3:00 pm California Junior Scholarship Federation members participated in their first community service project at the Newport Aquatic Center, continuing a four year tradition.  Members assisted by hauling canoes off a truck and improving the orderliness of the equipment; after performing their service, members participated in various water sports at the Newport Aquatic Center including individual kayaking, kayaking with a partner, and stand-up paddleboarding.  According to CJS Advisor Mrs. Sherry Skipper-Spurgeon, “I hope students learn the importance of community service and how to have fun on the trip.”  

Numerous people assisted in arranging the trip.  Billy Whitford, NAC Manager, exclusively allows CJSF students to use the equipment available at NAC because he personally knows Skipper.  Multiple other forms of preparation for the trip occurred as well, including arranging the date and sending and collecting permission slips.  The permission slips informed participants on the items that should be brought, such as sunblock, swimwear, towels, an extra pair of clothes, and lunch. The service CJSF students perform annually varies including, gardening, cleaning the beach, and other tasks.

“We carried canoes, kayaks, and then I used the stand-up boards and went kayaking.  The experience was really fun,” said seventh-grade CJSF member Melissa Chavarria.   In essence, numerous CJSF students received the opportunity to assist in community service and as a rewarding experience, participate in watersports.  

“I decided to attend because it sounded like a fun opportunity and all of my friends were going.  The kayaking was definitely fun and my favorite part about the trip.” said seventh-grade CJSF member Han Hoang. In other words, CJSF members are able to enjoy an entertaining event by participating in the annual NAC field trip.

“Billy allows us to come back each year, this makes it worthwhile.  He appreciates what we do, and he is happy with the results when we clean up.” said Mrs. Skipper. The trip is both rewarding to the participants and employees and visitors involved at NAC.

“It was a fun memorable experience , and I decided to attend because it is important to be involved in school activities. I learned how to kayak and how to use a stand-up paddle board” Attending this trip definitely opened doors for me.” said seventh grade CJSF tutor Aryani Juarez.  In conclusion, attending this trip can provide participants with various benefits and opportunities to learn new concepts.