Summer 2006
This summer the Get Outdoors Club kids participated in a bike project, trout fishing, swimming and exploring the beach at a local state park and camping.
The bike project consisted of repairing used bikes that had been donated by area residents. A local bike enthusiast worked with the kids to repair tires, fix chains, adjust handle bars and seats and share some bike safety tips. The kids in the club who did not own a bike were then able to take home their fixed up bike and enjoy riding throughout the summer. The extra bikes were donated to other children in the area who were without bikes.
Working with the DNR MinnAqua program, the GO Club participated in some fishing activities and tried out trout fishing on the Whitewater River.
Throughout the summer, we swam at both the local public pool and the sand beach at Whitewater State Park. The kids were quick to agree that they preferred swimming and playing at the beach where they could explore the shore and catch tadpoles and other critters.
The summer concluded with a campout at Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park. The kids enjoyed a cave tour at Mystery Cave and then helped set up camp, working with adult mentors to pitch tents, get the campfire started, and cook supper. A leader shared some different animal calls and we then took a night hike to call to the animals. Many owls could be heard calling throughout the valley of the park and the kids were alert and completely engaged with the surrounding environment.
It was 1am when all campers were finally asleep and at 4:30am, before the sun was up, the kids could be heard giggling in their tents.
The next day began with a quick breakfast and then a fishing trip on the Root River to catch trout. It was difficult to catch trout because the kids were so excited to see fish moving in the water that they shouted and squealed and scared away the wary trout. But one lucky youth did catch a large sucker.
After fishing, we packed up camp and headed to the Old Barn Resort near Preston to go inner-tubing on the Root River. The kids were nervous at first but once we all got wet and understood that the river was a calmly flowing river, everyone settled in and enjoyed the ride.
The camping experience was a wonderful way to end the summer. One youth summarized his experience on the campout by saying that it was the best day of his life. This year, Project Get Outdoors has definitely engaged participants and got them excited about outdoor recreation.
