Oregon Zoo Education Urban Nature Overnights (UNO)

Urban Nature Overnights (UNO)

Connecting Youth with Nature for a Better Future

UNO participants by a creek 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 lifestyles 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
UNO serves urban 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 and other local parks. During the school year, we expand on summer learning with after school programs and field trips.

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
Experience new recreation activities
Explore ecosystem interactions
"Leave No Trace" philosophies
Structured and unstructured time outdoors

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
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
503-525-4236

UNO is sponsored by:

Oregon Zoo

Bureau of Land Management

U. S. Forest Service

REI

Gray Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation
JFR Foundation
Pacific Power Foundation
Anne A. Berni Foundation
Oregon Zoo Zoo Guide Council