GONZALES — Gonzales Youth Guardians explored the wonders of the ocean during a recent visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey.
A total of 18 youth and four adult chaperones attended the April 30 field trip, which was funded through the City of Gonzales’ Measure K grant program.
Last month’s excursion was the latest in a series of free trips for area youth, who earlier this year also got to visit Top Golf in San Jose, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve near Carmel-by-the-Sea, Redwood Outdoor Laser Tag at Koinonia Conference Grounds in Watsonville and a Santa Cruz Warriors basketball game at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Transportation and lunch were provided at no-cost during the field trips.
“There is a growing population of single mothers in our community of Gonzales, and also essential field workers, who do not have the time or finances to take their children/youth on field trips,” said Jean Salcido, president of Gonzales Youth Guardians.
Salcido has noticed a need for more free activities, like these field trips, for local youth.
“In an effort to enrich their lives, we would like to see more free activities for all of the children/youth, so they can all stay active and enjoy their youth,” she said.
Gonzales Youth Guardians, which began in 2015, is an intergenerational organization that serves the children, youth and senior citizens in the Gonzales community.
For more information, or to donate to the organization, contact Salcido at 831-744-5839.