Project overview
In the summer of 2007 ten local school children participated in the inaugural Avalon Outdoor Leadership and Environmental Stewardship Program. Over the course of three weeks students learned wilderness first aid, conducted marine research in Flax Pond, participated in a land use planning design charrette and climbed to the summit of Mt. Washington.
The program was a huge success and our curriculum is under development for summer 2008. Last year participation constituted the awarding of a scholarship and all program costs were assumed by Avalon Park. Our goal in the future is to establish a grant program that would not only partially fund Avalon's program but also fund other local organizations who share our commitment to connecting kids with nature.
Inspired by Vancouver's 'Orca's in the City' and 'Spirit Bears in the City', 'Turtles on the Town' is our way of getting individuals, businesses, artists and anyone who loves the outdoors involved with connecting local youth with the natural world.
Here's how it works...
Local artists, working together with sponsors, will create a unique design which will be applied to the surface of a fiberglass turtle. Once the turtle is completed it will be displayed in a public location chosen by the artist and/or sponsor. In September of 2008 the turtles will be put on the block and auctioned live. Proceeds from this year's auction will help fund Avalon's Outdoor Leadership and Environmental Stewardship Program, The Friends of Flax Pond, and help establish a monetary fund for grants that will be awarded through Avalon Park.
Goals...
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To support programs/organizations that will promote the education of children in the fields of outdoor leadership, environmental stewardship and environmental science research.
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To support programs/organizations that expose children to career opportunities within environmental and outdoor education fields.
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To bring exposure to the artists, individuals, businesses and charities that are committed to getting kids into the outdoors and thinking critically about the environment they live in day to day.
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To establish an event that fosters community spirit and support.