Outdoor Adventures @ Outdoor Adventures @ the Mancos Public Librarythe Mancos Public Library

A “No Child Left Inside”, place-based, experiential education, after-school

program

Mission Statement:Mission Statement:To produce an educational experience which is both meaningful to the participants and provides them with a rich relationship with nature.

•The Mancos river valley will serve as a foundation for stewardship and civic engagement.

Background Program developed by a team of educators, biologists, artists, outdoor recreation specialist, and librarians.

Kids need an opportunity to explore, build, hike, create and play in a youth centered community..

The design principles used The design principles used are based on David Sobel’s are based on David Sobel’s book book Childhood and Nature.Childhood and Nature.

These design principles mirror the way children of all ages interact with nature, based on recurrent play themes from around the world.

Design PrinciplesDesign PrinciplesAdventureFantasy & ImaginationAnimal alliesMaps & PathsSpecial placesSmall worldsHunting & Gathering

FallFallFort building.hiking.mapping.gamesFort building.hiking.mapping.games

Earth Art

birdfeedersbirdfeeders

WinterWinterTracks. games. crafting. survival. Tracks. games. crafting. survival.

Earth art. snow ecology.Earth art. snow ecology.

Sledding!!Sledding!!

Winter Wear and ShelterWinter Wear and Shelterboots.hats.gloves.snowpants.warmcoatboots.hats.gloves.snowpants.warmcoat

Building a snow shelterBuilding a snow shelter

The MushersThe Mushers

MushingMushing

Snowballs!

Snowshoeing

Winter water play

Springhiking.forts.maping.fishnets. paper airplanes.contest.

Kites!

Small Worlds

Book suggestionsfor parent read aloud

Outcomes:• 9-12 age kids ran to the library

after school! Connect positive feelings with the library.

• More relaxed, better sleep, able to concentrate on homework.

• Blending between groups of kids and new bonds formed.

• Address cultural responsiveness to bullying, racism.

Outcomes Continued

• Support healthy, clear and direct communication.

• Placed-based learning connects kids with local resources and strengthens feelings of stewardship/citzenship.

• Increase awareness of the environment and meaningful connections with the natural world using all the senses.

Helpful Hints:

• Do Evaluations

• Don’t be afraid!

• Location is important: The river ran through it season after season.

• Be flexible

Equipment

• First Aid Kit

• Healthy Snacks

• Cell phones/Camera

• Student Assistant

• Craft supplies