Press Release: New outdoor programs for students

Ottawa County, Michigan sent this bulletin at 09/14/2020 10:18 AM EDT

September 14, 2020 – For immediate release
Press contacts: Jessica VanGinhoven, (616) 738-4810

New nature programs for ages 4-14

New this year! Ottawa County Parks is offering the Outdoor Explorer program designed for students who are participating in remote/virtual learning (or any child who needs an extra dose of nature!) because time spent outdoors is crucial to our health and well-being.

"We won't be seeing near as many students on field trips or service learning trips as we usually do throughout the school year and we knew we had to do something to try to reach them," said Jason Shamblin, Director of Ottawa County Parks & Recreation. "This spring, when anxiety related to the pandemic was at an all time high, many people of all ages opted outside and we heard from people in the community - it helped."

Even if you aren't a parent, you are aware that school will look different this year. Teachers and administrators are doing everything they can to keep their students and themselves safe and healthy. Most of our school partners are offering remote or virtual learning as an option for families, and others have made adjustments to their schedules.

"Students who will be learning from home will be spending significant time in front of a screen, and their parents could probably use a break too," said Shamblin. "Kids who are in school are walking into a situation that looks completely different than what they're used to - that's stressful. Everyone could probably benefit from outdoor activity right now."

The Outdoor Explorer Program provides recreational opportunities like hiking, biking, kayaking for older kids and other fun, age-appropriate activities for children between the ages of 4-14. All experiences will take place outdoors and with small groups in various parks throughout the county. "We want to help get as many kids outside this school year as possible," said Shamblin. "We feel confident in our ability to run these programs safely."

Sessions begin this month and are offered each week. Activities will vary each session, so parents can sign up for as many as they can fit into their schedule. Sessions are $10 per child. If cost is a deterent, scholarships are available.

Become an Outdoor Explorer - register today: miOttawa.org/ocpevents

Homeschool Nature Programs

Did you know that Ottawa County Parks also offers home school programming? EARLY Explorers is designed for children ages 6-9 and ECO Explorers is designed for ages 10-14.

Learn more about these programs: news.miottawa.org/2020-homeschool-nature-programs

Nature Programs for all ages

Ottawa County Parks offers recreation and nature programming for all ages, in every season. Check out our program calendar to see all of the outdoor opportunities they offer: miOttawa.org/OCPevents

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Ottawa County | Where You Belong

Operations, improvements and programs are funded by grants, private donations, and a parks millage. If you own a $150,000 home, you pay $26 annually investing in opportunities for outdoor recreation and nature education today and for future generations. Thank you. Learn more about the 7,000 acres of park land in Ottawa County at miOttawa.org/Parks

Ottawa County Parks &
Recreation Commission

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