EnviroExplorers Youth Club

Friday fun & learning in the forest for youth, and a break for parents!

We are seeking curious youth (ages 5-12) to come and explore with us at the Outdoor Activity Center. During the EnviroExplorers: Youth Club e we will explore nature, activate our imagination, and establish lifelong friendships in the middle of the old-growth forest!

West Atlanta Watershed Alliance will host youth (ages 5-12) quarterly on Fridays from 6-8:30pm to provide an opportunity for youth with an interest in exploration, nature, outdoors, STEM, animals, and similar subjects to connect to the natural world and each other. During our meetups, youth and educators will complete hands-on nature-based activities (such as identifying trees, looking for critters, and making crafts) and hike the old-growth forest at the Outdoor Activity Center.

We welcome youth to attend one of the following events this year.

WAWA will facilitate programming that is principled in our Environmental Education pedagogy including; the power of play, placed-based learning, cultural relevance, inquiry instruction, and social constructivism. These principles are underlying but with the use of the outdoors as our classroom youth will utilize these learning styles while developing knowledge of natural sciences, water hydrology, nature preservation, consideration for living things, agriculture, and cosmology, to name a few.

________________________________________

What to expect during youth club events?

Youth will experience a wide range of physical activity throughout their time at the OAC such as hiking, running, picking up objects, and playing with dirt, water, and other natural elements. The youth will also spend most of their time outdoors with indoor time limited to bathroom breaks and thunderstorms/heavy rain. Please consider your youth's health conditions and comfort level when registering them for the youth club.

What should my youth bring to youth club events?

Youth must bring a reusable water bottle (filled with water) and snack, wear play clothes (we get dirty!), long socks and sturdy shoes, and bring any appropriate weather gear (rain boots, rain jackets, warm hat, large coat, etc.). Due to COVID-19, youth must also bring a personal bottle of hand sanitizer and a face covering. Please no sandals or flimsy footwear (hikes daily). Apply sunscreen and insect repellent before/at arrival, as we will be outdoors (rain or shine).

Can I (or another adult) stay with my child during the program?
This program is an opportunity for youth to explore independently and make new friends. Families are encouraged to use this unique moment for a break or to prioritize other needs.

Is there a cost for this event?

The Youth Club is in a pilot phase, where we are determining what our youth and families would expect from the youth club. In the meantime, there is a small fee ($7) to lock in your spot for EnviroExplorers Youth Club in an effort to reduce 'no shows'.

Considering COVID-19, how will you ensure the safety of the youth, WAWA staff, and others?

We are using best practices to keep guests healthy while exploring greenspaces. Please note that by attending this event, you assume the elevated risk of yourself and/or child(ren) contracting COVID-19 and hold West Atlanta Watershed Alliance harmless.

Can I register my youth for multiple EnviroExplorers :Youth Club events?

Yes! We have shifted the program, and now, you are encouraged to register your youth for as many events as you like! We hope to see familiar faces at all the events in 2024.

Who will be working closely with my youth during the program?

Hosted by West Atlanta Watershed Alliance, our experienced staff are environmental educators and certified interpretive guides, who foster outdoor skills. They are caring, and creative and will help your child make meaningful connections to nature.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact the Environmental Education Department at [email protected].

Host or Publisher West Atlanta Watershed Alliance