2008 MORE KIDS TO THE WOODS CHALLENGE!
In conjunction with ‘Get Outdoors USA’ and the ‘Kids in the Woods’ Programs, NFRA sponsored a special grant program for its members promoting special events and activities that encourage children and their families to get outdoors and have fun!
Getting kids outdoors, having fun, being active, and learning something new is what the program was about. NFRA members were creative and ingenuious - and the programs were a big hit!
Here are some of the results from the 2008 program...
'1st Annual Huntington Lake
Spring Clean'
California Land Management, a campground concessionaire on the Sierra National Forest, sponsored the 1st Annual Huntington Lake Spring Clean event to involve children and their families in taking care of the beautiful Huntington Lake area. There were special programs throughout the day with experts on map reading, Leave No Trace techniques, a Chaffee Zoo representative talking about animals in the forest, and others. Partners included the Forest Service and numerous local businesses. A great start to a new annual event!
'Smokey's Fire & Water Safety Expo'
Salt River Tubing, a permittee on the Tonto National Forest, sponsored a great event to provide education and information to users of the Salt River on various topics such as:
fire prevention, litter prevention, safety on the water, and wildlife exhibits. Additional partners for the day included the Mesa Ranger District, and the local radio station.
'Homeschoolers in the Sierra'
Rainbow Pack Outfitters, a resort permittee on the Inyo National Forest, provided a unique opportunity for homeschooled children and their families from the Southern California area. The focus was to learn about the local traditions, history and healthy activities available in the area. The participants learned how a log cabin is constructed, and about using native and non-native materials. They also learned about a working pack station in the High Sierra and had an exciting 'hands-on' experience packing a real mule! The successful program was featured in the Inyo Register.
'Family Time Outdoors'
Pro-Sports, Inc, a campground concessionaire on the White Mountain National Forest, hosted a unique program for children in various in campgrounds in New Hampshire. They invited foster families in the area to camp free on Wednesday and Thursdays during the months of July and August. They also included children and adults involved in the Mentoring programs. They taught various subjects such as orienteering, knot tying, flower identification, GPS map reading, and others. Partners included several local businesses.
'2nd Annual Rush Creek
Silver Lake Resort, a resort permittee on the Inyo National Forest, sponsored the 2nd annual clean up of Rush Creek between Silver Lake and Grant Lake. The event included cleaning up trash and debris, as well as installing monofilament recycling tubes at key areas along the river, which helps protect the trout from being caught in the excess line. This year the fishing class from Mammoth High School assisted with the day's projects. The Southwest Council Federation of Fly Fishers was a partner in the event.
'Annual Kern River Clean Up Day'
California Land Management, a campground concessionaire on the Sequoia National Forest, in partnership with the Kern River Ranger District, hosted a clean up day on the Upper Kern River. CLM provided lunch for all the participants along with interpretive programs on 'caring for the forest.'
Tubing, Campout & Fishing Adventure'
Salt River Tubing hosted another event focusing on children from 10-12 years old. This special program provided a camping and river-float experience along with education and information about the river environment, wildlife habitat, fire and water safety. Supporting organizations included the Wonderful Outdoor World (WOW), the Boys and Girls Club, and the Tonto National Forest - Mesa Ranger District.
'Pinecrest Fish Fair'
Pinecrest Lake Resort, a resort permittee on the Stanislaus National Forest, was a key sponsor of the 'Pinecrest Fish Fair.' Kids up to 16 years of age, accompanied by an adult, were treated to a fun filled day of fishing. In addition, entertainment was provided along with storytelling, and a variety of hands-on activities focusing on angling ethics and healthy aquatic ecosystems. Special guests included Smokey Bear, Frank and Frances Fish, and more. A free hot dog lunch was provided. Check out their announcement - Very Catchy!!
'Fun in the Forest'
Hodge Management, a campground concessionaire on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, hosted a day of fun for children and their families at the Tannery Gulch Campground. Activities included a Junior Ranger Program, a visit by Smokey Bear, a Scavenger Hunt and much more! Snacks and prizes were awarded to the participants. The Trinity Resource Conservation District was a partner in the day's events. Check out their announcement and photos of the event. Also - check out the article in the Trinity Journal - Page 1 and Page 2.
'11th Annual Bass Lake
Spring Clean'
California Land Management hosted another clean-up day on the Sierra National Forest - at the popular Bass Lake Recreation Area. The event included numerous organized youth groups from the local communities. Interpretive programs on the 'care of the forest' were provided to all of the participants. This was an official "National Get Outdoors Day' event and additional partners included: Bank of America, The Pines Resort, Miller's Landing Resort, Sierra Telephone, and the Sugarpine Railroad.
'Salt River Pirates &
National Get Outdoors Day'
Salt River Tubing hosted one of the Official 'National Get Outdoors Day' events to encourage first-time visitors to the great outdoors. There were numerous educational and recreational exhibits to help promote healthy, active outdoor lives, and to embrace our parks, forests, and other public lands. Special discounts were offered to those who came early, and prizes were awarded to those who came in their best pirate costumes. "Close the laptops, turn off the iPods and enjoy the great outdoors" were the words of Henri Breault, President of Salt River Tubing. Many 1st timers came and enjoyed the Salt River.