Environmental, Nature & Outdoor Education
with Ms. Erica McBride
erica@bgctustin.org
The Maureen Holthe Environmental Education is the first of its kind inside a Boys & Girls Club. This program gives youth access to programs about animals, nature, gardening, and the environment. Our program encourages youth to think about issues and concepts globally and to take positive action on a local level to find solutions.
Environmental Education Programs
Green Thumbs
Teaches organic gardening and plant ecology. Members manage their own
organic gardens.
Nature Adventures
Through hands-on projects,members are
introduced to the science behind parts of nature such
as leaves and seeds, the life of a tree,forest
eco-systems, geology, fossils, and even paleontology.
Enviro-Club
Each week members meet and are engaged in hands-on
activities about the issues and concepts that are affecting our world.They are
encouraged to take pro-active steps towards environmental solutions. Members
also run club-wide recycling program.
Hiking Club
Every week during the summer, members hike trails in
different parts of Orange County wilderness.Members learn about native plants and animals and
basic outdoor survival
skills.
Eco-Crafts
Items out of the trash and nature are made into crafts to show members different ways that they can re-use.
Circle of Life
Introduces youth to the animal kingdom. Members will learn to
interact and handle animals located in the Environmental Education Center and
about concepts like the food web, predator prey relations, and habitat
conservation.
Ultimate Oceans
In partnership with the Ocean Institute, 9-12 year
olds learn about the four habitats of the ocean (Rocky Shore, Open Ocean, Sandy Shore, and
Kelp Forest) through art, education, and technology
"The Hiking Club has changed me and my
feelings about nature. I use to hate going on hikes, and now I love it! I like
to look at the trees and find out how much they age. I like to find new
animals, and finding scat to see what an animal eats.” Scarlett, Age 11