Fall Adventures with Wilderness Kids After School: Discovering, Exploring, Growing

A stunning view of the boardwalk at Huntley Meadows Park just before sunset.

As fall nears its end, and After School sessions wrap up for the current year, Wilderness Kids reflects on the experiences of our middle school participants. In less than 3 months students have explored 5 parks, a museum, and a nature center. They have also learned how to kayak, use binoculars, identify various species of trees and animals, skip rocks, and make s’mores! 

Left to right: Brandon rescues his marshmallow before making the most delicious s'more at Dyke Marsh; James observes sunbathing turtles through binoculars at Huntley Meadows; Wilderness Kids students are taught to kayak by the Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation.

Students found joy in the unique features of the parks they visited. Huntley Meadows Park was the perfect place for students to marvel at the gorgeous fall colors as well spot a wide variety of animals. One of the highlights of the visit was getting a close look at particularly curious snapping turtles. Students discovered that Mason District Park’s Amphitheater serves as an ideal place to play hide and seek. Green Spring Gardens was a source of inspiration, prompting a spontaneous ukulele concert and beautiful water color art. 

Left to right starting at the top: Wilderness Kids students walk along the Huntley Meadows Boardwalk; James, Joel and peers take a close look at a snapping turtle at Huntley Meadows ; Wilderness Kids students reveal their hiding spots at the Mason District Park Amphitheater; Geni serenades her peers at Green Spring Gardens; Anthony, Isabella, Veronica, and Taylor show off their water coloring skills at Green Spring Gardens.

The most fulfilling aspect of engaging students in these after school adventures is witnessing their growth as individuals, friends, and budding naturalists. Many of our participants have become more confident in their self-expression and more curious about the world around them. Friendships were formed and strengthened as we ventured out into new environments. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to this group of after-school participants, we’re excited to see this same growth in our new after-school students in the new year. And hope that many of our students from the fall will join us on weekends the rest of the school year and in the summertime too!

Wilderness Kids students form close bonds at Green Spring Gardens, Huntley Meadows, and Dora Kelley Nature Park.