The Outdoor Explorers at Carlin Springs was designed to encourage a want to learn about science and nature. Our objective at first was to educate participants through the club, and be outside in nature for its entire duration. However, due to the heat of summer, this was not a possibility. Along with the location, we also had to change the curriculum. Since the students were in summer school, they had no desire to learn in their off time. We tried to hid education in games and art, but the students could not engage. All things considered, knew we had to adapt for the second week.
When the second week rolled around, we were ready to inspire the same kids again, only to realize our age group had changed. The lesson plan we had created would not reach these new group of kids.
As all of this complied, I will admit I saw Outdoor Explorers as a dauntless feat that I wasn’t sure I could overcome. However, keeping fun and safety as my priorities, I figured I could muster some games that could inspire educational thoughts and leave the kids with a positive mindset of 4-H.
The third week was by far the best, since we predominantly played active games like sharks and minnows and freeze tag. This inspired creative paths that kids could take to avoid being tagged, and honest playing. Some kids did not like to admit that they were tagged, even if there were witnesses. Life lessons arose in the most unexpected games.
We practiced team work and balance through relay races. The teams had to ensure the little beads piled on the spoon did not fall off. If one fell, they had to stop and put it back on. This allowed the other team to gain distance, and create a competitive environment, but not in a negative way.
The learning experience from this was that not all events will go exactly as planned. I was expecting the same age group, with enthusiastic kids wanting to learn more about science. In the end, that wasn’t my audience. Having to adapt the lessons over the days, was a challenge, but created a positive response. At the end of the event, the participants expressed their opinions, all being positive.
