About Us

The ESCAPE Club was founded in 1999 by three teachers at Adams Middle School in Richmond, CA. The acronym E.S.C.A.P.E. stands for "Environmental Science, Conservation And Photographic Excursions." Surveys showed that many students living in Richmond had never experienced things that we had considered common, and are available in Northern California like going to the snow, seeing the Ocean, riding on a boat, or camping in Yosemite. The club goes on approximately one field trip per month. Any student at Adams is welcome to join. There are currently about 130 active members in the club in grades 6, 7, and 8. The club is led by John Iwawaki, a science teacher at Adams, with the help of Jason Lau, and a few others from Adams.

Goals of the club are multi-fold. First of all, members are exposed to the beauty and the value of the environment around them, and why we must work toward conservation. They are also given new experiences upon which they can reflect in writing. These experiences make schoolwork more relevant, and support curriculum and state standards. The club provides young teens a sense of belonging, and a place to develop relationships between each other, and with faculty away from the classroom. We also like to allow leadership to develop, and encourage responsibility on multiple levels. The many hikes and activities enhance physical fitness as well.

The ESCAPE Club goes on approximately nine excursions each year, usually on the weekends, to destinations all over Northern California. You can see examples of destinations on the Gallery page. The trips are usually at no cost to students. Following the trips, students are responsible for reflecting on their experiences through art, poetry, or prose. Transportation is provided by private car; chaperones are generally teachers, staff, and parents who volunteer their time. On average, about 8-10 drivers carry 35-40 students on each trip.

Most of the trips are completely free of charge for the students. Funding comes from several sources including grants, awards, and donations. Regular contributors have included the Ed Fund, WCCIWMA, and Richmond Rotary Club. Many of our destinations also offer free or reduced admission. And we occasionally receive donations from individuals and businesses. Of course the club could not run as it does without the countless hours donated by teachers, staff, parents and others. If you are interested in contributing to the club, please contact us, and we would be thrilled to discuss how you can help.

Members of the ESCAPE Club are responsible for collecting and managing recycling bins and carts on the Adams campus. Meetings are held weekly after school for all members. Topics in meetings include ecology, history, geography, photography, and conservation. Planning is done for future trips, and follow-up for previous trips. Following the meetings, students are able to participate in various activities including ping pong, basketball, football, or just spending time with friends.