 Urban
Nature Overnight (UNO)
For many
of us, our first camping experience was one of the most memorable events
of our childhood, whether it was pitching a tent in the back yard, sleeping
under the stars or bunking down in a lean-to in the woods. Through camping
and outdoor adventures we learned to cook outdoors, read a map, sneak
up on a squirrel and appreciate the wildness around us.
The
Need
Many youth today are not getting these experiences due to changing family
structures and declining resources. Urban youth in particular are lacking
the skills and opportunities to actively enjoy the wonders of the natural
world. Without these opportunities the next generation will not be prepared
to make decisions regarding the future of the environment.
Our
Role
Sponsored by the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Zoo and Portland Parks
and Recreation, UNO serves youth who have not traditionally had access
to outdoor experiences. Participants entering grades 3-5 learn recreation
skills and basic environmental concepts while camping overnight at the
Oregon Zoo or neighborhood Parks and Recreation locations.
Our
Mission
UNO strives to provide underserved youth a safe and enriching experience
with the natural world, to develop an appreciation of public lands and
to build awareness of wildlife conservation and stewardship issues. UNO
emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting urban and wild
ecosystems.
Community
Based
UNO works with the community to identify the needs of participants, sponsors
and local residents. We adjust program activities for different needs
(i.e. English As a Second Language, disabilities), using the most appropriate
teaching tools.
Planned
activities:
Hands-on experiences empower youth to pursue recreation safely:
- Set up
tents and campsite
- Prepare
meals with camp stoves
- Track
through the site using orienteering skills
- Experience
new recreation activities
- Explore
ecosystem interactions
- “Leave
No Trace” philosophies
Benefits:
Through UNO experiences, young people develop:
- Outdoor
skills and safety awareness
- Understanding
of the interconnectedness of living things
- Respect
for the outdoor world
- Skills
to explore the outdoor world
- Desire
to work in the outdoor world
- Cooperative
skills and teamwork
During each
overnight session, campers undertake a community service project to experience
the positive changes they can make in their environment through tree planting,
ivy removal and litter pickup activities.
Youth
Receive:
Materials
that support participants' own outdoor exploration:
- Flashlight
- Water
bottle
- Personal
journal
In addition,
campers will receive valuable information, maps and other resources on
outdoor recreational opportunities and environmental programs available
in their area.
For
more information about available partnerships with UNO, please contact:
Oregon Zoo
Urban
Nature Overnights
4001 SW Canyon Rd,
Portland, OR 97221
(503) 226-1561 ext 5312
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