On the Wild Side

 
Many children today--particularly those from urban, economically disadvanted communities--do not have opportunities to experience the wonder of nature. These children are the stewards of both our future and the ecological health of the planet. They need an understanding of ecological principles and life sciences, and the chance to discover the workings of nature. Creating opportunities for youth to explore, learn about and enjoy natural places is an investment in our children and our Earth.

 

 
ANR leads a collaborative project that brings environmental education and outdoor experiences to children and teenagers living in Sacramento's economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. "On the Wild Side," a program funded by the Sierra Club's Youth in Wilderness Project, brings 4th to 6th graders from the Sacramento START after school program to an overnight outdoor living experience filled with experiential learning and a lot of smiles.

Teens and adult volunteers work in partnership to plan and staff the overnight camping experience for the children. They receive training in environmental curricula, and then design a two or three day program. Children rotate through the teen-led activities to learn about ecosystems, migration, habitat and the food chain. They also have the opportunity to paddle a canoe, sing aroung a campfire and fall asleep under the stars.
 

 
The program is now in its fourth year and both quantitative and qualitative data consistently point to a rich learning experience. Pre- and post-tests reveal that the youth gain knowledge about the environmental concepts presented through the program. The children's journal entries confirm the learning that takes place. Those returning score significantly higher on pre-tests than those who are new to the program, indicating a high retention rate for what was learned in past years.

A powerful part of On the Wild Side is the teens who give their time and energy to plan and run the events. These young leaders both add to and grow from the experience. They enjoy a rapport with younger students that differs from that of adults, and prove themselves excellent teachers.

The outdoor environment is completely new for many of the children (as well as some of the adults who accompany them). When asked to list three things learned, one child wrote: "How fires feel, how to sleep outside, and the stars are brighter than in the city." Some youth commented on having to walk so much, testimony to the rather sedentary lifestyle many children lead.
 

 
"I had a wonderful time. Our team was called the Buzzing Bees. We did art, played games, and went on a nature walk...At night, we sat around the campfire and sang songs. That's when the bugs came out and it got scary." --a fifth grader

"We looked in the water for bugs or anything else. I saw a frog with orange eyes. A frog survives by eating flies and living in its habitat."--a sixth grader

"It was time to say good-bye to our campers. It was very sad to see them go. But speaking for the staff, I know that we accomplished much more than to entertain our campers that weekend. Just looking at them and comparing the depth of their observations and questions about nature before andafter camp was enough to prove that they really learned something. And for me, that silent praise is the best praise anyone can ever receive." --Teen Staff Member
 

Supporting Unit: Sacramento County
 
Marianne Bird
4-H Youth Development Advisor
University of California Cooperative Extension
4145 Branch Center Road
Sacramento, CA 95827-3898
(916) 875-6811
mbird@ucdavis.edu