April 2021
Welcome SPRING AT THE MISSION
NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Greetings!
Attention Teachers, Parents and Educators of All Kinds!
Mission San Juan Capistrano continues to welcome students both onsite and virtually to experience history at the 245-year-old landmark.

Live guided Field Trip experiences continue to be a favorite among teachers and students are taking advantage of our FREE one-day admission voucher to visit with their families.

We are excited to announce we are now open Wednesdays too! So plan an onsite experience Wednesdays through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors are asked to bring their own drinking water, wear medical or cloth face masks properly and practice social distancing at all times. Please visit our website for visiting tips and operating hours before you arrive.

We look forward to hosting your soon virtually or in-person! Book your Mission experience today!


Sincerely,
Mechelle Lawrence Adams, Executive Director
Mission San Juan Capistrano
FREE VIRTUAL EARTH DAY CELEBRATION
Save the Date! Debuting Virtually on Thursday, April 22, 2021
Join us starting online on Thursday, April 22, 2021 for the Mission's month-long Virtual Earth Day Celebration! Highlights include a Livestream Tour of the Mission's West Garden, a special Native American Basket Weaving video, butterfly garden tips from local author and Monarch Conservation Specialist, Susie Vanderlip, nature-themed videos shared by education partner The Discovery Cube Foundation, and more!
FREE STUDENT ADMISSION VOUCHER
Mission San Juan Capistrano Celebrates its Student Community
We realize that many of this year's fourth graders missed out on the coveted tradition of a field trip to Mission San Juan Capistrano. We are so sorry for that experience and want to help make it up to our student visitors by offering a free voucher valid for 1 free student admission to the Mission through June 2021!

Be our guest! For those joining us digitally this school year, share this voucher with your learners to come visit us with their families! Plan a Daycation and enjoy your distance learning in a scenic environment while utilizing the Mission's FREE WiFi! Stay a little longer and shop, dine and explore all that historic downtown San Juan Capistrano has to offer.

Please note this free student voucher is not applicable to field trips.
EDUCATOR'S GUIDE 2020-2021
Featuring Onsite Educational Programs, Immersive Experiences and Distance Learning
Check out our Educator's Guide featuring onsite educational programs, immersive experiences and new this year - distance learning options. Students can learn about the diverse history and culture of early California through virtual field trips with a live guide, 360° architectural and historical view videos, Native American Storytelling and Singing videos and more!
BOOK A BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIP TOUR - IDEAL FOR FAMILIES!
Offered Daily!
Visit the Mission in person and book your onsite VIP Tours for the learners in your lives, the perfect activity for families and small groups of 4 or 8. Take a walk down in the wine vat, view the private Sacristy of the Ruins and even get to touch the historic Mission bells, normally roped off to the public. Don't miss out on this limited time only tour experience.

Please note this program is not applicable for school groups or learning pods.
A QUICK GUIDE ON THE 21 CA MISSIONS
21 Missions, Countless Stories
Mission San Juan Capistrano was recently featured in Visit California’s “5 Fun and Easy Getaways for History Buffs” with a feature in “21 Missions, Countless Stories.” Do you know which missions are known as the King and Queen? Or which one made red tile roofs popular? Share this article with your learners for help with quick facts for the California missions report.
THE SWALLOWS ARE BACK IN TOWN
See Video Footage Taken Just Days After the Bell Ringing on St. Joseph's Day, March 19, 2021
Swallows were spotted in the San Juan Creek basin, dipping and diving and preparing for their mating season. Making their nests for their growing families, this footage captures the birds at twilight, where they can be viewed just blocks away from Mission San Juan Capistrano!

Why are they there? In the mid 1990s their nests were removed from the Ruins of the Great Stone Church (circa 1806). When the swallows returned, they made new nests where the water supply was more plentiful. Since that time, Mission San Juan Capistrano leadership has sought consultative services of swallows expert, Dr. Charles Brown, to advise on a strategy to bring them back. From mating calls, to replica nests, a variety of endeavors have been made to bring them back to the Mission. In 2019 and 2020 new nests were found on the landmark campus, and today, we are pleased to say they are at the Capistrano Valley.
VIRTUAL LECTURE ON THE SWALLOWS
Presented by Cliff Swallows Expert, Dr. Charles Brown
Educators and students of all ages will enjoy this free virtual lecture on the swallows of Capistrano with Dr. Charles Brown, an acclaimed swallows expert and professor of biological sciences at the University of Tulsa. Learn more about the history of the cliff swallows and why they return every year to San Juan Capistrano.
MISSION HIGHLIGHTS VIRTUAL TOUR
Led by Executive Director, Mechelle Lawrence Adams
We joined Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams on St. Joseph's Day and Return of the Swallows and virtually explored the Mission's beautiful grounds and historic past. From the cultural traditions of the local Acjachemen people, to the picturesque gardens, and one-of-a-kind Serra Chapel, there was something for everyone to enjoy on this virtual tour.
See What Parents are Saying...


"Stepping back in time at Mission San Juan Capistrano. Having just done his California mission unit in his class, Mi was SO delighted. With a map in his hand, he excitedly led us through the landmark and listened to the whole audio tour.
4th Grade Parent

We LOVE to hear from you! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram with your photos and we will share them in our next issue.

@happysunnycali
TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY!
Join us Every 2nd Saturday of the Month!
Receive 15% OFF when you shop in the Mission Store!
Mission San Juan Capistrano is the
#1 Destination for Learning Remote and In-Person!
3 Ways to Book Your Mission Experience:

BY PHONE (949) 234-1306
Phone reservation hours available
Monday – Friday • 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

ONLINE Book Today!
Complete online registration and submit
Please allow up to 3 business days for your request to be processed.

Please allow up to 3 business days for your request to be processed.
Book Your Distance Learning Now!
Book a Distance Learning Program and receive
"In Our Voice: Mission Bell Ringing and Native American Singing" video for FREE (a $50 value)!