Summer break is here! Here are a few resources for engaging your young explorers with trails this summer during NC’s Year of the Trail!
- NC State Parks Junior Park Ranger Program is a great way to engage youth in getting on trails and the program has created a Year of the Trail activity that can be used on any type of trail!
- Connecting technology in a healthful way can be highly engaging! ecoEXPLORE, an initiative of the NC Arboretum, is a fun child-centered tool for exploring naturing and contributing to a citizen science project.
- The North Carolina Science Trail officially launched this year during Year of the Trail and offers trail sites across the state to help kids learn about science and get out on the trail.
- Fun tools can make a trip on a trail even more exciting. PATH Outdoor Explorer Packs are loanable packs available throughout the state for people to check out for their outing
- Take a Child Outside Week started in NC and their website has a lot of fun, simple activities to do while outside.
- 5 Ideas of Engaging Kids on the Trail from National Parks Conservation Association has some great tips for keeping kids engaged while out on the trail.
- North Carolina Nature Trails for the Littlest Explorers from Our State list several trails to explore across the state that are perfect for kids.
- Environmental Education is important for all ages! NC Environmental Education has lots of lesson plans and resources for engaging and incorporating environmental education.
- Connecting trails and stories the Story Trails of North Carolina highlights places across the state where you and your young explorers can walk and read pages from a deconstructed childrenโs book at stops along the way.