'Kids in the Outdoors' program starts Sept. 10
The McHenry County Conservation District's "Kids in the Outdoors" program gets kids ages 13 and younger outside into the fresh air and provides them opportunities to engage with nature throughout the entire school year.
Research has shown that spending time out in nature not only provides opportunities for kids to explore and enhance their sense of wonder, but reduces stress, increases attention spans, and helps kids become better learners.
With technology becoming a greater part of our lives, time spent indoors using devices and in front of screens is continually increasing and kids' connection to the natural world and their sense of wonder can be diminished.
The program begins Saturday, Sept. 10, and runs through May 26, 2017. Each participant receives a list of outdoor recreation and nature exploration activities such as taking a three-mile hike, going on a five-mile bike ride, going geocaching, and going on an overnight camping trip.
As activities are completed, simply check them off the list and win prizes that will enhance future outdoor recreation and nature exploration.
To get started, stop by the "Kids in the Outdoors" kickoff party from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake.
At this signup session, kids get a chance to explore different opportunities to help them complete the items on their lists and receive a free prize just for registering.
Enjoy a variety of crafts, games and nature exploration activities and a chance to get some of the items on the list checked off. Stop by anytime between noon and 4 p.m. to register and get started.
Enrollment for the program begins online Friday, Sept. 9, or register at the kickoff party Sept. 10. The last day to enroll is April 1, 2017. It is free for county residents or $20 for nonresidents.
Registration is accepted online at www.MCCDistrict.org, by phone for free programs only at (815) 479-5779, by mail-in and drop-off at Prairieview Education Center, 2112 Behan Road in Crystal Lake, or drop-off only at Lost Valley Visitor Center, Route 31 and Harts Road in Ringwood.