The Mission’s “Adopt-A-Class” program was spearheaded in 2005 to help low-income children to be able to take part in the fun and learning that a field trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano can provide. The Mission’s docents provide guided tours to the over 54,000 school children who visit annually, however, with school funding being limited, a field trip is often too expensive.

The vision behind the “Adopt-A-Class” program is to create a pool of restricted funds that allow the Mission to provide free tours based upon a school’s financial need. Teachers from Title 1 (low income) schools can contact the Mission’s Visitor Center at (949) 234-1300, and request an “Adopt-A-Class” tour. Teachers will be asked to provide in writing information to support that their school does not have the necessary funds to enjoy a field trip to the Mission. If the school is interested in securing funding for one of the education programs (such as Journeys to the Past, Making the Grade or Mission Matters),
please indicate that as well.

The Mission Preservation Foundation encourages all schools to book tours in the Fall when there is more availability. To date over 9,000 students have been “adopted” by generous supporters. It is recommended that Adopt-A-Class applications be sent in no later than January 1st. No tours will be scheduled for the months of May and June.

Adopt-A-Class Student Testimonials
“Thank you…Dear People at the Mission, we all thank you guys for everything you guys did for us and showed us it was wonderful.   I really want to thank you for using your time on us. Ps. I loved it.” - Kelly
 
“Thank you.  Dear San Juan Capistrano Mission, thank you for inviting us to your Mission free. My favorite part of the Mission was making the adobe blocks.  I really enjoyed going to your Mission." - Sonny
 
“Thank you. I would like to thank you for the filed trip and teaching me about the native Americans, Father Serra, and jobs that people had to do before." - Blake
 
“Thank you for the great day and the tour.  My favorite was the Church. It was beautiful. I liked the smell of the candles. I also really liked the part where we got to make the adobe bricks." - Sunny

“I loved it when we went to the church that got destroyed.” - Elvis

How to Apply for the Program:
Please mail, email or fax (949) 481-9895 a letter addressed to the Mission’s Group Sales Department
Attention: Kathleen Witkowski with the following information on school letter head:
1) School contact information
2) Letter stating your needs including number or people in group and if transportation is needed
3) Details of the percent of students on the free or reduced lunch program
4) Your contact information

After the complete letter is received, and reviewed by the Executive Director, a determination of funding available vs. the funding needed by your school. A determination letter will be sent to you with the decision of whether the Mission is able to cover all, part, or none of the field trip. The decision is based largely on the proposal’s completeness and percent of students receiving a free or reduced cost lunch.

Unfortunately, we are unable to fund all requests. Please check with the organizations below, which also assist schools in funding field trips to the Mission San Juan Capistrano.

California Missions Foundation
Target Supports Education
Macy's Foundation
Donor's Choose