ENVIRONMENTAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Environmental Education begins as one becomes aware of his environment and continues in its importance as one begins to take necessary positive action regarding it. Awareness without action is just the beginning, and action is quite impossible without awareness. These two categories constitute the general foremat of the Environmental Education program carried on at Camp Reinberg and part of the program offered during the Outdoor Education Workshop at the Illinois Park and Recreation conference.

The camp staff tries to educate children to the awareness of environment and self, and the understanding of individuals. Their activities take a number of directions, i.e.:

Commissioners Roger Roley (left) and Roy Reuss of the newly formed New Athens Park District show their recently acquired land for development of a 40 acre community park.

1. Social activities, such as eating together, doing dishes together, playing group games, singing, and dancing around the campfire, all help the children with understanding of self and others. It is basically an understanding of individuals as an environment which needs protection, support, and interaction.

2. A hike through the woods or into the field helps explain the meaning of the "food chain" and the "life cycle," as children see the actions which make these terms come alive and take in real meaning.

3. Environmental problems, such as erosion or stream clearance become real when seen first hand. Tools for problem solving are taught when children discover the action needed to alleviate the problem.

4. The children carry the knowledge and environmental awareness into the school, the home, and the park and discuss with others the total meaning of environment, and conservation for communities and individuals.

Ruth Records, Camp Director, states that these are not the only directions which can be taken. As the individual becomes more aware, greater action is taken, and the education process for our environment has its beginning.

The outdoor environmental workshop will help departments and staff learn how to carry this education process through their programs, just where to begin, and what is needed. It will truely be an exciting activity and learning experience. Registrations were due in the IPRS office before November 9, however a few spaces are still available. Call for further information. (312) 297-6261.

Schedule of ANNUAL MEETINGS

ILLINOIS PARK AND RECREATION SOCIETY

Friday, November 16th—8:30 a.m. Round Table 4

ILLINOIS THERAPEUTIC BRANCH

Friday, November 16th—4:45 p.m. Swaps Room

IPRS STUDENT BRANCH

Friday, November 16th—7:30 p.m. Citation Room

ILLINOIS ASSOCIATION OF PARK DISTRICTS

Saturday, November 17—9:00 a.m. Citation Room

Illinois Parks and Recreation 25 November/December, 1973