PVF’s Excursion Grant Program was established three years ago by a generous donor with a singular aim: let kids have fun. Mark Louie, a teacher at Hoover Elementary in Oakland, sought to do just that by taking 25 4^th grade students on a camping trip to the Rob Hill campground in San Francisco. He was able to do so with the help of an Excursion Grant, a program which funds field trips for public school classrooms in Alameda and San Mateo Counties.

For all but three of his students, it was their first time camping.  For over half of them, it was their first time spending the night away from their parents.  For all of them, it was their first time putting their feet in the ocean and watching a sunset fall below the horizon. Mr. Louie told us: “It was nice to watch the kids enjoy nature and be truly happy without the normal dynamics of our classroom relationships.” We are proud to be able to offer Excursion Grants to teachers like Mr. Louie as a way to open windows of new and exciting opportunities for youth.