Our vision is to help San Diego’s youth program providers integrate nature programming into their numerous programs. This includes youth programs (Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, camps, faith-based youth groups) and not-in-school programs (after-school, extended day care, summer programs, clubs, alternative youth services).
Nature Experiences for Youth
- Not-in -school program support, San Diego County Office of Education Extended Learning
- OutdoorExplore! (after-school programs), San Diego Audubon Society OutdoorExplore!
- Outdoor Outreach (high school) www.outdooroutreach.org
- Inner City Outings (high school), sponsored by Sierra Club San Diego
- Ocean Discovery Institute www.oceandiscoveryinstitute.org
- Girl Scouts San Diego Imperial Council
- Roots and Shoots (national) www.rootsandshoots.org
- Kids Eco Clubs (local) www.kidsecoclub.org
- Community service, such as restoration projects in their neighborhood canyons and open space, citizen science using technology-based applications, and advocacy for local issues
- Community college and university youth serving as interns, trained naturalist guides, advisors to high school groups, and community organizers
- Short nature activities for after-school and youth programs, Nature2Go Activities
- More resources for Nature Play
Program Opportunities
- Nature-based Inquiry and Learning in Not-in-school Settings, workshop presented at STEMpower conference, March 14, 2015, San Diego County Office of Education, see slides (4 per page), NatureConnections_2015-3-14
- Elementary and Middle School Youth. The San Diego Youth Programs Community Asset Inventory was completed in June 2010 to describe the organized youth program providers in San Diego County that offer programming beyond the traditional school day.
- High School Youth. The San Diego High Schools Community Asset Inventory was completed in June 2010 to describe opportunities for the Collaborative to create liaisons with over 104 high schools and 13 colleges within San Diego County.