Families Can Learn Outdoor Skills at Hoffman Parks

Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Hoffman Estates Park District is encouraging families to slow down, get outside and learn a different set of life skills with their new adventure programs this spring and summer. Partnering with L.L. Bean, the park district has created exciting programs that encourage families to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

"It is important for families, to unplug, get back to nature and spend time together. Being outdoors and learning to fish or build a fire connects you with nature and disconnects you from technology" said Kyle Goddard, Athletic Coordinator for Hoffman Estates Park District.

Take to the lakes this summer, in the Introduction to Kayaking class at Busse Lake Boating Center. Get the entire family out on the water as an L.L. Bean expert instructor teaches proper water entry and different paddle strokes. Parents must enroll with children under 14 years of age. Introduction to Kayaking class runs June 22-August 10, and August 23-September 27. The fee is $110.00 for residents and $121.00 for non-residents. To register online visit heparks.org and use program number 239087 or stop by a park district facility.

Another new adventure program is the Wilderness Survival Skills class. Students, ages 8 and over, will learn how to build and maintain fires, find and treat water, and create wilderness shelters. This program is being offered multiple times during the spring and summer. The first session runs on Saturday evenings, 6:30-7: 30 p.m., during April 27-June 6. The fee is $85.00 for residents and $93.00 for non-residents. Enroll by using program number 229088.

This summer the fishing program is expanding to include Learn to Fish programs (#229085) as well as Introduction to Fly Fishing (#229086) and Family Fishing (#229085). All fishing classes will teach students how to cast, tie knots and safely release fish. Equipment is included in the cost of the program. Fishing 101 and Fishing 102 are for children ages 6-14 years; Family Fishing is offered for ages 4+ and Fly Fishing is available for everyone 8 and over.

Once you learn how to fish, continue the sport by visiting one of the 15 Hoffman Estates Park District parks that have fishing holes including Black Bear, Charlemagne, Chestnut, Evergreen, Fabbrini, Highland, North Ridge, North Twin, Princeton, South Ridge, South Twin, Vogelei, Walnut, Westbury Lake, Whispering Lake, and Winding Trails Basin. To find a park with a fishing hole, visit heparks.org/fishing.