FiiN: “Fostering Interest in Nature,” an Exciting New Program at
NBC
By Sherry Marger, NBC Board Member
A new program providing outdoor nature
experiences for youth in Orange County kicked off on February 19 and will run
for two months. This unique program for 5th grade students is designed
to enhance their understanding of our coast and the role we all play in
protecting it.
While camping in tents for 4 days and 3
nights at Newport Dunes, Camp James, each group of students explores the
coastal areas of Newport Beach and develops an appreciation of ecology and
nature-based recreation. Camp activities are designed to promote an
understanding of ecological principles, conservation, marine science, biology,
and water safety appropriate for 5th grade students, based on Next Generation
Science Standards (NGSS). This nature program is a collaboration between the
City of Newport Beach, the Coastal Commission, NBC, Newport Dunes and the
school districts of Santa Ana and Newport Mesa, and was inspired by the California Coastal Act which
requires that lower-cost visitor and recreational facilities be encouraged and
provided.
In a truly collaborative effort, students are
taught by Newport Beach Life Guards about water safety and by Back Bay Science
Center (BBSC) staff about marine life. They are taken on a tour by the Fun Zone
Boat Company, go on a kayak trip on the water and on a hike to study land plants.
In addition, they get their hands dirty at the BBSC nursery propagating native
plants to be used for
restoration activities, practice knot
tying, map sea level rise, spot marine mammals, build sand castles, discuss
nocturnal animals and astronomical constellations at night and perform skits and
songs around the campfire. In the process they have exciting new experiences,
journal their observations, all while learning, having fun, and interacting
meaningfully with leaders, teachers and classmates.
FiiN
is an innovative way to provide opportunities for children to learn about the
environment, camp out in nature, hike, kayak and enjoy the state's largest
natural estuary in Southern California. If it sounds comprehensive and
exciting, it is. The week culminates with Conservation Poster projects and a closing
awards ceremony.