Summer Program Promotes Love of Nature
By Alisha Yocum
On a warm day in July, children explored the stream, scooping up bugs and lifting rocks in search of crayfish. Each discovery was met with smiles and excited squeals.
The adventurers were part of the Thurmont Park & Recreation’s “A Day in the Park” Summer Program, which offers three weekly adventures throughout the summer focused on nature.
Carrie Andresen-Strawn, a Park Ranger with Catoctin Mountain Park, joined the group to help the kids identify the insects, crayfish, and other aquatic life they discovered in the stream. She also shared information about the wildlife that lives in and around the park’s waterways.
September Jones has directed the summer program for the past three years. After spending many years as an elementary school teacher before transitioning to the corporate world, Jones said she missed working with children. When the opportunity to lead the program became available, she knew it was the perfect fit.
“I wanted to get back to working with kids,” Jones said.
For many of the campers, the friendships and outdoor adventures keep them coming back year after year.
“My favorite part is playing in the creek and all the activities we do,” Bond said. She has been attending the summer program for many years.
As Emerson Rickerd scooped up an insect from the water, she paused for a minute to share her favorite part of the program, which is hanging out with friends and making crafts.
Kevin Jones has also been helping with the program for the past three years and believes experiences like these are more important than ever.
“Kids are missing out on the magic of nature,” he said. “It’s really important for us to understand the world around us and the role we play in it.”
Each week has a different theme, including Wild Neighbors, Nature Makers, and Earth Adventures. Jones explained that while it can be challenging to come up with unique activities each year, she tries to make sure the adventurers who are coming back year after year are always learning something new.
Through hands-on activities, exploration, and discovery, A Day in the Park continues to inspire children to unplug, get outside, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the natural world. For more information on the program, visit the website at www.thurmont.com or follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/thurmontpnr.
Kashton Baer and Saber Long tag-team finding insects and crayfish in the water.
Novalynn Ferrell enjoys playing in the creek during the A Day in the Park Summer Program.
Catoctin Mountain Park Ranger & Education Coordinator Carrie Andresen-Strawn talks to adventurers, Addy Cross, Mara Bond, Hadleigh Baer, Kashton Baer, and Saber Long about local wildlife.
