 |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
|
|
The Children's Nature Institute
established its Outreach Discovery Division in 1992 in an effort to reach underserved
youth primarily in the inner-city area of Los Angeles. The program provides
free nature field trips and transportation for over 100 inner-city schools,
shelters, teen parents and their kids, and other organizations serving children
with special needs.
Every year, we serve 8,000 to 10,000 disadvantaged children, their parents and teachers!
Our CNI Wonder Mobile
began visiting inner-city schools in 2000 to strengthen their existing science
curriculum through hands-on science activities. A variety of combination programs
in our Outreach division enable children to benefit from field trips, teacher
workshops and science courses for parents. Multiple exposures to our unique curriculum
reinforces the impact of the public school science curriculum on young students.
On our nature walks, children from the inner-city and
at-risk neighborhoods step out of their urban environments and experience nature
first-hand.
CNI docents use sensory-based activities on the trail that
allow children to discover the wonders of nature for themselves. Children are
encouraged to become nature detectives - to observe, smell, feel, and listen to
the natural environment in an effort to understand it. More importantly, they
learn why they should respect nature and the simple steps they can take to preserve
it. Many teachers attest to the amazing effect our nature walks have on their
kids...
"One little child used
to draw only in black. After seeing the colors of flowers and leaves he wanted
different colors, the colors he had seen in nature." --
Project Coordinator of a shelter, name withheld by request
"Neighborhood children must play in dirty alleys because there are no parks
in the area. Families fear going outside after dark because of gang violence.
The field trip was a special experience for our children. They felt safe and ran
around confidently in the field. God bless you in your work." --
Phillip Cunliffe, St. Francis Center
"As inner-city children, many students only read about nature. Your organization
provided them with the opportunity to explore the vivid colors, sounds and scents
of "Nature's Playground". I thank you for the invaluable memory you
have instilled in our children." --
Jurnie Sugahara, Amestoy School
To find out if your group or school is eligible for an Outreach
nature program, please see our Frequently
Asked Questions.
You can help support Outreach walks through donations, membership
or by volunteering.
If you would like to make a monetary or in-kind contribution, you may reach us
at:
The Children's Nature Institute
Franklin Canyon Park
2600 Franklin Canyon Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
or by calling 310-860-9484.
|
|
|
|
