‘More Kids in the Woods’ Program
Outdoor programs for kids in July & August in Jackson (some free!)
by Bridger-Teton National Forest news release
June 19, 2007
(Jackson) – The Bridger-Teton National Forest is one of only 24 forests nationwide to receive a grant to help fund a series of activities that will invite local kids to come outdoors this summer and connect with their public lands. Additionally, the program will focus on reaching out to underserved populations through a series of unique partnerships that have been established throughout the community.
“I am pleased that the Bridger-Teton competed so well for this prestigious grant,” said Forest Supervisor Kniffy Hamilton. “It is thrilling to know that with the funding from this grant and with the help of so many wonderful partners that we will be able to offer such wonderful experiences on the National Forest to the youth in the area,” she said.
“Community partners and unique ideas are what make all the magic happen,” said forest project coordinator David Cernicek. “We have experts in many areas of natural resources that are devoting their time and talent to making this program a reality for all of these kids,” he said. Participating in this effort are such noted organizations as the Latino Resource Center, Teton Youth and Family Services, Teton County Weed and Pest, Pinedale BLM, Teton Conservation District, WY Game and Fish, Friends of Pathways, Teton County School District, The Snake River Fund, Teton Science Schools and Teton County Parks and Recreation.
More than 250 groups vied for the awards. The Forest Service awarded grants to those national forests that provided proposals that focused on underserved and urban youth; recreation and conservation education; solid, broad-based partnerships; and innovative techniques. Most of the projects, resulting from the award the Bridger-Teton received, will take place on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, which offers a myriad of outdoor recreation and educational opportunities.
Upcoming programs are:
ART OF ECOLOGY IN JACKSON HOLE - July 1-7
The first round of activities is “The Art of Ecology in Jackson Hole” led by the Teton Science Schools in partnership with the Art Association of Jackson Hole. This program is for children entering 6-8 grades and will be offered between July 1 – 7. This program will provide kids with a chance to do water colors, sculptures, hiking and canoe trips. Scholarships are available to those who wish to participate.
TETON SCAVENGER HUNT - July 7-13
The Teton Science Schools is also conducting the “Teton Scavenger Hunt”, which will take place July 7 - 13 and also welcome kids entering grades 6-8. This program also offers scholarships to the children and will offer the kids an overnight adventure in the Curtis Canyon and Gros Ventre Mountain area as they learn about maps, compasses, Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and participate in a service project on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
SERVICE WORKS: MIGHTY STEWARDS - July 23-27
WILD WORKS - July 30-August 3
The “Service Works: Mighty Stewards” program will focus on reaching out to children entering grades 3-5 and be offered July 23 -27. For older students, the Wild Works program for kids entering grades 6 -8 will be offered July 30 – August 3. Both of these programs will be guided by the Teton Science Schools and will be free of charge. Both weeks will offer participants a chance to try their hands at bird banding, floating down the Snake River, noxious weed education and a picnic.
SNAKE RIVER DAYS – August 6-10
The Snake River Fund will be offering “Snake River Days” for children entering grades 6- 8. This program will be offered August 6 – 10 and has scholarships available to the participants. Children joining in the activities for this week will experience basic hydrology, bugs and birds activities, white water rafting, noxious weed education and fish identification.
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For more information on the program, contact the Bridger-Teton National Forest project coordinator David Cernicek at 307-739-5417. To register for the Snake River Days week, call 307-734-6773. To register for all other activities, call 307-733-1327 extension 1267.
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