By Sue Jacox
We couldn’t have asked for more beautiful blue sky days to introduce four busloads of eager Reno and Sparks students to their first snowshoeing experience. Afterwards some said the most important thing they learned was, “How cool, beautiful, and interesting nature is,” “You need to be prepared,” and “You don’t want to leave a trace!”
GKO support was critical for helping with their transportation expenses this January and February. Great Basin Outdoor School provided all the snowshoes, boots, and warm clothing needed for safe, comfortable outings. With help from a Galena Creek Visitor Center AmeriCorps member, GBOS staff taught children about winter adaptations and snow science in small trail groups. Classes met at the Galena Creek Visitor Center for gearing up and introductory activities before re-boarding school buses to head eight miles higher up the mountain to seek snow.
Redfield Coordinator Lynn Armone facilitated class participation and wrote, “The 5th and 6th graders from Mamie Towles Elementary School and 5th graders from Lincoln Park had a wonderful three days in the snow thanks to the Great Basin Outdoor School (GBOS). Getting there was made possible by a very generous transportation grant from the Sierra Club “Get Kids Outdoors” program. The experience was a “first-time” for every single student – and it was great to see them enjoying the beautiful Sierras in the wintertime. Great Basin Outdoor School weaves lots of learning into spending time in nature, and was able to bring home important elements of living in and caring for our environment, and incorporate many science standards into a fun day. Thank you so much!”