ENGAGING OUR YOUTH
RPA students experience Smith Rock State Park
By Robin Galloway, FANs President
On October 11, 2023, twenty middle school students from Redmond Proficiency Academy (RPA) participated in a field trip to Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne. Five of the youth reported that they had never been to the park which is famous for its geological rock formations and considered to be the birthplace of modern American sport climbing.
The field trip gave RPA educator Julie O’Neill’s photography class an opportunity to practice camera skills at the park. Additionally, volunteer park ranger and FANs member Amy Sue Matthews led a hike to view the rock which inspired the image found on CLIF Bar packaging. Each student received a CLIF Bar to remember and share the experience.
FANs Secretary Cindy Murray then showed the students how to adjust binoculars to spot birds in the rocky canyons of the park. A collection of weathered bones was available for up-close examination and photography. Board member Rod Miller and OSU Extension Master Naturalist and FANs member Barbara Reynolds Mayo were also on hand to share their knowledge with the students.
All in all, it was a great opportunity to expose local youth to the natural world of Central Oregon.
“Getting youth to appreciate the wonders of where they live is one of FANs’ goals,” stated FANs President Robin Galloway.
By Robin Galloway, FANs President
On October 11, 2023, twenty middle school students from Redmond Proficiency Academy (RPA) participated in a field trip to Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne. Five of the youth reported that they had never been to the park which is famous for its geological rock formations and considered to be the birthplace of modern American sport climbing.
The field trip gave RPA educator Julie O’Neill’s photography class an opportunity to practice camera skills at the park. Additionally, volunteer park ranger and FANs member Amy Sue Matthews led a hike to view the rock which inspired the image found on CLIF Bar packaging. Each student received a CLIF Bar to remember and share the experience.
FANs Secretary Cindy Murray then showed the students how to adjust binoculars to spot birds in the rocky canyons of the park. A collection of weathered bones was available for up-close examination and photography. Board member Rod Miller and OSU Extension Master Naturalist and FANs member Barbara Reynolds Mayo were also on hand to share their knowledge with the students.
All in all, it was a great opportunity to expose local youth to the natural world of Central Oregon.
“Getting youth to appreciate the wonders of where they live is one of FANs’ goals,” stated FANs President Robin Galloway.
Redmond Proficiency Academy Students Learn About Nature Activities for Mental Health
By Robin Galloway, FANs President
In June 2022, Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (FANs) provided two days of educational field trips for high school students from the Redmond Proficiency Academy taking the elective course The Call of Nature, which focused on nature as therapy for physical and mental health.
Students participated in a variety of activities, from clearing out invasive flannel mullein weeds at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve, being introduced to birdwatching, as well as hiking at Crooked River Ranch where they learned about local geology and the history of the area, along with basic trail etiquette.
At the end of the second day, students were asked to reflect on what they had learned from the experiences. One youth said that he wanted to get outside more to hike and get his family involved in camping. After hearing that, one of the FANs leaders quietly said, “Mission accomplished.”
By Robin Galloway, FANs President
In June 2022, Friends and Neighbors of the Deschutes Canyon Area (FANs) provided two days of educational field trips for high school students from the Redmond Proficiency Academy taking the elective course The Call of Nature, which focused on nature as therapy for physical and mental health.
Students participated in a variety of activities, from clearing out invasive flannel mullein weeds at Borden Beck Wildlife Preserve, being introduced to birdwatching, as well as hiking at Crooked River Ranch where they learned about local geology and the history of the area, along with basic trail etiquette.
At the end of the second day, students were asked to reflect on what they had learned from the experiences. One youth said that he wanted to get outside more to hike and get his family involved in camping. After hearing that, one of the FANs leaders quietly said, “Mission accomplished.”