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Under Illinois Skies
is a camping program designed to give urban youth the opportunity to experience
nature first hand. The Department of Natural Resources, in partnership
with the Chicago Park District, provides five weeks of three-day camping
programs. Activities conducted during the Under Illinois Skies program
increase awareness, knowledge and appreciation of the natural resources
as well as personal development skills. Each activity has an educational
component designed to provide conservation knowledge and ethics in a fun,
non-formal setting.
Activities
include:
Camping
- the children are taught low-impact camping techniques including
a campsite selection, tent setup, fire building, campfire cooking,
and camping safety. With instruction and supervision from the group
leaders, each group of participants set up their own campsite, cook
their own food, and practice safe and low-impact camping techniques.
These group camps are designed to be fun as well as emphasize teamwork.
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Nature
Hikes - participants are introduced to hiking as a recreational
activity. Various topics are discussed during hikes including geology,
history, vegetation, wildlife, and Native Americans
Interpretive Programs - various activities are offered to
teach participants about tree, prairies, wetlands, and mammals.
Each activity not only provides information but interprets relationships
between humans and their natural resources. |
| Canoeing
- participants are introduced to canoeing and instructed on basic
techniques, and safety. Teamwork is another important component
of this activity as participants are teamed up in canoes and must work together.
Fishing -
as part of the introduction to fishing as a recreational activity,
several topics are taught including species of fish, aquatic food
chains, and water resources.
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Service
Project - after receiving information and instruction
on their service project, participants complete a project that benefits
the park and natural resources. For example, nesting boxes may be constructed
after a presentation on birds, their habitats and nesting. |
Just what do these youths get from this program?
Ben Hartman, a park intern working with one of the Summer 2000 group
says, "Under Illinois Skies is a special experience for urban
youth who haven't had the opportunity to spend much time outdoors."
Stacy Iwanicki, Naturalist, "It's crucial that the kids learn about
things like this," (aquatic insect identification) "Because
if kids don't know what is out there, they can't understand it, and if
they can't understand it, they can't care about it, and if they don't
care about it, then they won't feel the need to protect their environment."
Camper Jonathon Marin says, "I like the fishing here, and I like
the clean air, there's not a lot of clean air in the city, just cars.
Lots of cars. Too many cars, loud music, and everywhere you go you can
hear the train. Out here it's just better scenery. And a better breakfast."
For more information contact the Department of Natural Resources,
Division of Education, Attn: Mitch Ingold, One Natural Resources
Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271. Telephone: 217-782-7026. Email:
mitch.ingold@illinois.gov.
Contributions to this program can be directed to the Illinois Conservation
Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271. Telephone: 217-785-2003.
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