With a start-up gift from The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region’s Youth in Philanthropy program, the first set of six Nature Adventure Packs were created and distributed through the Central Rappahannock Regional Library system. The packs were instantly popular, and it became clear that more sets were needed. Now there are 29 packs housed in 5 libraries, with more to come!
Recently, another use for the packs has been discovered! Last year FOR partnered with Stafford County Public Schools to launch a pilot program in which 20 packs provided hands-on, portable science activities for elementary classrooms. Teachers suggested a variety of ways to use the packs, including letting the students take turns taking them home to share with their families, allowing students to check them out during recess, and using them to support formal science lessons during class time. This year Stafford County schools will expand the project by adding 18 new packs!
Written by Daria Blom, FOR Education Director
