CREATING A NEW GENERATION OF NATURE LOVERS:
JUNIOR NATURALIST PROGRAM RETURNS
[CHARLESTON] – This fall, kids across the Lowcountry will be making a difference in their environment – all while exploring the pluff mud, pulling a seine net and getting their hands dirty! This fun and eye-opening program for ages 8-12 is the Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission’s CCPRC Junior Naturalist Program in September and October.
A counterpart to CCPRC’s adult Master Naturalist program, the Junior Naturalist program invites children ages 8-12 to become naturalists through investigation of the natural world. Sessions are held at various Charleston County Park locations, with instructors using techniques like free play and inquiry-based learning to highlight the Lowcountry’s unique habitats, plants and animals. From beaches and marshes to insects and birds, Junior Naturalists not only experience their outside surroundings, they make lasting friendships with fellow participants.
Through hands-on activities that feature science discovery, journaling, and art, children gain a personal connection with the amazing plants, animals and places outside their backdoors and in the county parks. Kids are sure to have a good time while they learn how to love and respect the world around them.
Those who attend six out of the eight programs offered will be certified as Junior Naturalists. Adult chaperones are welcome to attend free of charge.
CCPRC’s Environmental Education Specialist Rachel Herold introduced the program in 2011. “I was very happy with the success of last year’s Junior Naturalist series,” said Herold. “The kids had fun making friends and learning about the Lowcountry, and I really enjoyed watching them grow into confident explorers. I’m looking forward to meeting the next batch of Junior Naturalists in September!”
