104 Nature in Recreation 



PROGRAM 



1. The leader should be able to offer the group a definite program with 

 enough flexibility to meet emergencies. 



2. The basis of a nature program should be to give a knowledge and 

 enjoyment of living things and the way they live. 



3. A nature program should stimulate children to inquire and become 

 aware of things growing around them, rather than to know the names of 

 every single object. An appreciation comes through acquaintanceship with 

 some things and an awareness of all things. 



4. Children should be guided toward an understanding of a living thing 

 and appreciate its beauty without desire for possession. In other words, do 

 away with collections and keep a record with drawings or photographs. 

 Always encourage conservation of plants and animals which is necessary 

 both in the city and in the country. 



5. A nature program should be planned as' a group activity and yet for 

 the individual student. 



6. There is no hard and fast grouping of nature students according to age. 

 A six year old may study with an adult if neither has been introduced to 

 nature, except perhaps on long hikes. 



7. A nature program should be based on every seasonal change. 



8. There should be a diversity of activities introducing the different fields 

 of nature. 



9. A nature program should bring out the major principles such as con- 

 servation, life histories, interdependence, adaptations and use by man. 



10. The program should be motivated by the use of nature displays, 

 visual aids, nature crafts, source material. 



11. Awards and tests may have a place in the nature program, but must 

 be used with discretion lest acquiring or passing of them become the goal 

 and not a means to the goal of nature appreciation. 



12. The program should be one of active participation rather than a 

 lecture period and should lead the individuals to discover for themselves 

 whenever possible. 



NATURE ACTIVITIES 



1. Hikes. 



2. Special Field Trips: zoo, museum, push carts, fish markets, botanical 

 gardens, neighborhood observations, stores, trees, gardens, open lots. 



3. Crafts: splatter prints, blue prints, Van Dyke prints, plaster casts, 



