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Community Impact

Low-Income Urban Children Become One with Nature

Life in Austin would not be the same without the stunning sunny days and cool breezes of early spring. With summer in mind, children at El Buen Samaritano are gearing up for camp, eagerly joining in outdoor activities designed to familiarize them with the natural world while developing the skills of a healthy lifestyle.

Through activities such as wall climbing, plant and animal wildlife, outdoor survivor skills, nature conservation and more, Outdoor Kids is a fun and educational al-fresco program designed to give students, who come from a primarily urban setting, the opportunity to experience and learn about nature.

"The program meets one Saturday a month during the spring semester and is designed to prepare our younger students for summer camp at the El Ranchito summer immersion program," said Leslie Quinnell, education programs coordinator. "So far, our participants have learned about rocks and fossils, plants and compasses. And during the next few workshops, the participants will learn how to pitch a tent and interact with domesticated wild animals."

For information on how to support or volunteer for Outdoor Kids, contact Mona Izquierdo, director of education. To view pictures of the program, click here.