Date: Tuesday, October 15th, 2024
Time: 2pm – 5pm
Location: Pirate Park near the Center for Arts
Explore, Learn, and Adventure at Our Fall Recruitment Event!
We’re excited to invite kids and families to join us for a full day of outdoor activities that build teamwork, leadership, and essential skills for exploring nature. This event is a great way for kids to test themselves, make new friends, and learn how to thrive in the outdoors. Here’s a closer look at what they’ll be doing:
Team Building Activity
In this challenge, kids will work together to get their entire team across the “acid river” using just five lily pads. If someone steps in the river, they’ll face extra challenges—like “losing” the use of a leg or giving up a lily pad. Once across, the team will reflect on how communication helped them succeed and who emerged as the leader.
Team Name and Flag Creation
Each group will choose a team name and design a flag that represents their team’s spirit. Using available materials, they’ll get creative with colors and symbols that reflect their values and identity.
Leave No Trace Review
We’ll dive into the Leave No Trace principles, which help us protect nature. Kids will learn about planning ahead, sticking to trails, disposing of waste properly, and leaving natural and cultural items as they are. We’ll also talk about using camp stoves, observing wildlife from a distance, and respecting others on the trails.
First Aid Lesson
Kids will learn to handle a range of potential injuries, including a deep cut, a broken bone, a concussion, and an eye injury. They’ll practice applying bandages to control bleeding, creating slings to immobilize limbs, and caring for simulated concussions and eye injuries.
Pioneering Lesson
We’ll cover essential knots and lashing techniques. Kids will start by tying a square knot, then move on to a tripod lashing to build a stable structure, and finish with a shear lashing to secure poles together. These skills are key for building camp structures and securing equipment.
Stove Safety and Cooking Lesson
This lesson will focus on when and how to use a lightweight stove, especially in situations where fires are restricted or you need quick meals. Kids will learn to set up the stove safely, light it, adjust the flame, and cook a simple dish.
Camping Basics
We’ll show the kids how to select a good campsite by looking for flat, dry ground away from hazards like overhanging branches. They’ll learn to set up a tent, secure it with stakes, and make sure it’s stable enough to handle the elements.
Orienteering Skills
In this hands-on activity, kids will practice using a compass to navigate a short course. They’ll learn to take bearings, follow directions, and find specific landmarks, all while building their confidence in outdoor navigation.
Join us for a fun-filled day packed with adventure and learning, where kids can build valuable skills for enjoying and protecting the outdoors!
The Final Challenge
The Final Challenge will require the team to put their new skills into action, with a few unexpected twists. They’ll begin by selecting someone to lead, whose quick thinking will be crucial. Using navigation skills, they’ll make their way to a designated location, but they might encounter a teammate with an unexpected “injury” that will need immediate attention. Along the way, they’ll need to construct something vital with limited resources and find a way to make their presence known. As they set up camp, they’ll face another surprise challenge requiring precise teamwork. Keeping energy up with a hot meal will be essential, especially with another teammate facing a sudden “setback.” In the end, their task will be to bring everyone safely across the finish line, demonstrating all they’ve learned in a final test of resilience and collaboration.
What to Bring
• Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
• Sturdy shoes for outdoor activities
• Reusable water bottle
• Sun protection (hat and sunscreen)
• Snacks if needed
Important! A signed waiver is required for all participants. We’ll have the forms available, so please make sure to complete and submit them before the event starts.
Parents, if you have any questions or need further details, feel free to contact us. We look forward to seeing your young adventurers at Pirate Park!
