Educational Staff

Mission Matters (Presented By Mission San Juan Capistrano)
Join the fun!  Students will be encouraged to use their five senses in exploring the past.  Mission Matters, a curriculum based program, offers a fun-filled presentation and hands-on activities that examine the daily lives of Mission Native Americans.  Students and adults will delight in the historic fun.  Mission Matters’ aligns with the 4th grade California Social Science Content Standards, (4.2 #5).  Limited availability, please schedule early.  Fall and Winter visits are encouraged.

Offered: Monday thru Friday
Duration: 45 minutes
Start Time: 3 classes offered per day
Location: West Garden, unless raining
Size: 140 people maximum to 30 people minimum
Cost: $3 per student and adult
Includes: Presentation, craft materials, educational lesson plan resources
Activities: Unraveling the Story:  Rope Making offered Mondays & Tuesdays
Follow the Acjachemen Footsteps: Adobe Brick Making offered Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays

By Appointment for Small Groups:
A Brand is Forever: Hide Branding

Making the Grade (Presented by Discovery Science Center)
Join the Discovery Science Center in investigating the building blocks of geology during this scientific exploration of the “Jewel” of the Missions.  Experiment with designs and materials that strengthen structures as large as Mission walls, or as small as a swallow’s nest.  This hands-on activity aligns with the 4th grade California Science Content Standards (Earth Science 4a, 4b, 5a and Life Science 3a and 3b)

Offered: Tuesday & Friday
Duration: 1 hour
Start Time: 9:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
Location: Central Courtyard
Size: 160 people to 40 people minimum
Cost: $4 per student and adult
Activities: Collecting soil samples, building a centenary arch, receive a booklet “Science on a Mission”

Journeys to the Past
Native American Storytelling
2009 Educator of the year, Jacque Nunez takes students on a journey into the lifestyle of the California Indian.  Children experience lively music, story telling, songs, games, and dance with opportunities to participate.  Students leave with an appreciation of environmentalism and what it means to be “keepers of the earth.”

Offered: January 13, 2011, February 17, 2011 March 24, 2011, April 14, 2011, May 19, 2011, June 9, 2011
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Central Courtyard
Start Time: 11:00 a.m.
Size: 300 people maximum to 150 people minimum
Cost: $3 per student and adult
Includes: Native American singing, games, and culture.  Engaging experience for students.

Zoomars Petting Zoo
After your Mission tour, plan to stay and play at Zoomars Petting Zoo located in the heart of San Juan Capistrano (within walking distance of the Mission and train station).  At Zoomars you will find hundreds of animals to pet, feed, learn from, and love.  A shaded picinic area is available.  Group leaders will be given a basket of food for students to feed the animals.  Pony and train rides are available for an additional charge.

Offered:  Monday thru Friday
Location: Historic District, San Juan Capistrano
Start Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Size: 140 people maximum, no minimum
Cost: $6 per student and adult

Includes: Students enjoy playing and learning about animals

Student & Teacher Testimonials
“My name is Joey, my hair is reddish blonde. My favorite color is green. I hope your mission gets fixed up. I hope the mission is very beautiful. My wish is to make your mission a better place." - Joey Conron

"Wonderful educational experience to our 4th grade students. Good way to reinforce social science state standards." - Rosa Mendoza from Park Avenue Elementary