Jill Thornton
We all know that spending time in nature is beneficial for kids. Outdoor experiences promote a healthier lifestyle, build self-confidence and self-reliance, and inspires an appreciation for the natural world. This appreciation for nature will help build a generation of young people committed to protecting our outdoor spaces, which is a benefit for everyone.
Being a Mountaineer, and the mother of two young boys, my favorite time in the wilderness is when they are with me. I love seeing them thrive when they're outside, and watching them fight the internal battle we struggle with. Seeing them overcome the idea that they aren't good enough has been the greatest reward of dragging them along with me and my husband on all our adventures.
What we realized first hand is that nature is where kids learn to believe in themselves. They've also benefited from a growing bond between the two of them. I see how differently they act with each other when the distractions of technology are gone and all they have is their imaginations and surroundings.
So how can we bring this opportunity to other kids? With the help of a committee of like-minded individuals, we followed the trail forged by the other Mountaineers branches (a big thank you to them all for the support over the past few months!) and developed a program that will allow young people in the North Sound area a chance to get outside with other kids.
Introducing the Everett Explorers
The Everett Explorers is a year-round outdoor adventure program for youth ages 8-12. No experience is needed to join as we will teach the skills needed to participate in all activities. Explorers will meet on the first Tuesday of the month and activities will be scheduled throughout the rest of the month to give the kids an opportunity to put their newly found skills to use.
Registration is open now and the first official Explorers class will be on April 7, 2020. An exciting curriculum has been planned with everything from navigation and first aid to backpacking, snowshoeing, camping, rock climbing, and kayaking. It will be a fun and busy year for the youth and volunteers that will help make this program a success.
If you have any questions or are interested in volunteering with the Everett Explorers, make sure you have your Qualified Youth Leader badge and send me (Jill Thornton) an email.
