Jennings’ camp offers lifelong knowledge
BRADY TWP — Children learned it’s not always a dog-eat-dog world out there as they explored aspects of the food chain at Jennings Environmental Education Center on Tuesday afternoon.
The class on food chains in the forest was just one part of the park’s larger DiscoverE children’s program.
According to Brandi Parrish, environmental education specialist at Jennings, children ages four and five can learn about Jennings wildlife through classes that last until Tuesday.
“Our big idea for these classes is the forest,” she said. “So they learn about plants and wildlife, and now food chains and energy transfers.”
Each camper can participate in activities which include nature hikes, classes, reading activities and crafts.
“We invite them to learn about nature around them, and provide them with an opportunity to integrate into the forest,” she said. “The more experience, the less fearful they are of the outdoors.”
Parrish began the camp by showing students the growth of green beans they planted during a previous session. The plants were in a glass container to show the roots progression.
Next, students sat outside and read from a book titled “Who Eats What?” about how each part of nature is a link in a bigger chain.
Parrish asked the students about their favorite foods, and how it is converted into “fuel” for the body.
“All food chains begin with green plants,” she said. “They’re the only living things who don’t need to eat something else.”
Michelle McCracken brought her granddaughter, Clara, age 4, to the camp as a way to support the park.
“I love getting her outdoors ... and I love promoting state parks,” she said. “When I tell people I’m bringing her here, they say ‘what’s Jennings? I’ve never heard of it.’ Then all my friends bring their kids. I’m kind of like the coordinator.”
McCracken said Clara’s favorite part of the camp is the nature hikes taken with the park ranger.
“Every time she goes she comes back and reminds me of something they found,” she said. “I hope she continues to have a love of nature and getting away from technology.”
She added that the camp is a fun way for Clara and her friends to interact.
“We’re trying to do as many memorable, fun things as we can this summer, learning about things you wouldn’t get a chance to,” she said.
Parrish said the students from the camps often remember what they learned into adulthood.
“I hear time and time again a parent comes in who says they remember field trips here, and now they bring their kids,” she said. “I hope moving forward, children recognize, ‘(Nature) is part of my life. I can include this all the time. I don’t have to be fearful of it.’ I hope they can always have a sense of wonder and explore.”
“Things like this get the next generation interested and learning how to take these parks on,” McCracken said.
