This weekend, Saturday, September 29, National Wildlife Federation hosts the 2012 Hike and Seek at Bemis Woods Forest Preserve in Western Springs, Illinois. The event has two great outcomes: it is a fundraiser for a top notch non-profit organization, and it helps families and children get excited about exploring the great outdoors.
Registration starts between noon and 1 p.m. At the registration area children will get to see live animal displays and get to shake hands with the iconic Ranger Rick. This right there is worth the price of admission. I know I am excited to meet Mr. Rick. The onsite registration fee is $15.00 per adult and $9.00 per child. Register online and save $2.00 on each participant.
This fee is very affordable, especially knowing that the proceeds all go to a good cause and the money goes towards an afternoon of unique family fun. A movie with the family would be just as expensive, probably more after popcorn and drinks enter the picture. While movies are great, the Hike and Seek outing will be a different type of fun families can enjoy.
Some of the benefits that hiking provides for families as taken from the National Wildlife Federation Hike and Seek website:
Explore Nature:
We’re helping families explore the natural world around them. Along the trail are five Stop & Study Stations with interesting and interactive activities for the kids provided by volunteer naturalists plus a scavenger hunt. There are even more fun activities at Base Camp, live wildlife displays and photos with Ranger Rick®!
Be Active:
Hike & Seek is the perfect opportunity for families and friends to spend some time together in the great outdoors. You can set an example for children that will get them excited about the outdoors which will help them embrace an active, healthy outdoor lifestyle.
Promote a Healthy Lifestyle:
Studies show that by getting your kids back outside, they will be more physically active, more creative in their play, less aggressive and have better concentration.
Support a Great Cause:
Your registration fee and fundraising will support National Wildlife Federation's programs that connect children with nature and safeguard wildlife.
Have Fun!
Above all else, you will have confidence that you can take your family hiking outdoors while having FUN!
Once registration is taken care of, families can hit the trail. The Bemis Woods Trail is one mile in length. Along the route there will be five stations manned either by naturalists or volunteers. Each station has interesting information about reptiles & amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and each station has a fun activity.
Last year the author manned the frog/amphibian station. The station was equipped with pictures of frogs with an electronic sound of each frog. Children were asked to match the frog sound with the picture. There was also an origami frog cut out activity.
There will be water and a light healthy snack available. It is recommended to bring your own water bottle. You can bring your own picnic lunch. There will be no food for sale at in the forest preserve.
I will be returning this year for another good time with the NWF. See you at the Chicago event. Click here for directions.
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