(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – Nov. 3, 2026) — Military-connected students from three El Paso ISD campuses spent a week discovering the history, culture and attractions of their community during the 2026 El Paso Explorers Camp.

The camp brought together students in grades 3–5 from Hartley PK-8, Bliss Elementary School and Powell Elementary School for hands-on learning experiences designed to help them connect with the Sun City and the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Students visited La Nube Children’s Museum, the historic El Paso Mission Trail and the Tech H2O Water Resources Learning Center. Each destination offered opportunities to explore new ideas, learn about the Borderland’s history and traditions, and discover more about the community surrounding Fort Bliss.

At the El Paso Mission Trail, students explored the historical and cultural significance of the region’s missions. At La Nube, they participated in interactive learning experiences, while Tech H2O introduced them to the importance of water resources in the region.

Students also received El Paso Explorers Passports to collect stamps and document their experiences throughout the week. Activities incorporating Spanish practice helped connect language learning with real-world experiences and encouraged students to engage with the culture around them.

For military-connected students, moving to a new community can mean adjusting to unfamiliar places, schools and traditions. The El Paso Explorers Camp offered an opportunity to build familiarity with their surroundings, develop a greater appreciation for local history and culture, and discover new connections to the city their families call home.

The camp was made possible through a World Languages Grant from the Department of War Education Activity (DoWEA), demonstrating how language learning can extend beyond the classroom through cultural exploration and community experiences.

The program also reflects El Paso ISD’s broader commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families. The district serves thousands of students with military connections and works to provide welcoming, supportive school environments that help students navigate transitions and feel connected to their campuses.

For the 2026-27 school year, 45 EL Paso ISD campuses earned the Texas Education Agency’s Purple Star Campus Designation, recognizing their commitment to meeting the unique needs of military-connected students and families. To earn the designation, campuses must meet criteria that include identifying a military liaison, providing relevant staff training, maintaining an accessible webpage for military families, establishing a campus transition program and offering a military-focused initiative.

“Military-connected families bring tremendous strength, service and diversity to our El Paso community, and our schools have an important role in making sure every student feels welcomed, supported and connected,” said Lisa Mendez, Senior Specialist of Fund Development. “I am proud of the work happening across these campuses to create supportive environments for students and families who serve our country.”

Through programs such as El Paso Explorers and the work of its Purple Star campuses, El Paso ISD continues to recognize the experiences of military-connected students and help them build meaningful connections to their schools and the community.

For the students who took part in El Paso Explorers, the week offered more than field trips. It was an opportunity to learn about the place they call home, discover new experiences and see the Sun City from a fresh perspective.