Family obligations that include caring for elderly relatives have left me with little time to blog lately, but my mailboxes have continued to fill with opportunities for outdoor and alternative education.
Hopefully, many families with young children were able to spend some time outdoors this past Thanksgiving season. REI, the outdoor gear store, closes its shops the day after Thanksgiving – Black Friday – as part of its #OptOutside movement. Some state parks in the nation offer free admission on that day.
If you missed your chance to visit a park, national parks offer several free admission days. The first free day comes up in January. Not sure where to go? Click here for ideas tailored to you.
If you did visit a park, the National Park Foundation asks that you share your photos online using #FindYourPark or #EncuentraTuParque.
Here are other opportunities that have knocked at my door and now are knocking at yours.
- Digital Storytelling: Photography as a Writing Tool: The Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission is offering a free workshop on how to help students write through photography. 4-7 p.m., Dec. 3, 300 Richards Blvd., Room 221, in Sacramento. For more information, click here.
- Circadian Snowmen: Family-Friendly maker class: SMUD-sponsored. For ages 7 and up. 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 12, Rubicon Room, 6301 S St., Sacramento. Registration is required.
- 2020 USDA Farm to School Grant Program: Deadline is Dec. 13. Awards from $20,000 to $100,000 to schools, non-profits, state and local agencies, agriculture producers, Indian tribal organizations. Click here for an application.
- Family and Staff Wellness Series – Supporting LGBTQ Youth in EGUSD: The Elk Grove Unified School District offers a workshop for staff and families on how to create a supportive environment for kids who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning, or who need resources. 6-7:30 p.m., Jan. 23, 2020, Sheldon High School, 8333 Kingsbridge Drive, Sacramento. Free. Registration is required.
- Farm to Cafeteria National Conference: This year it’s in Albuquerque, April 21-23. For more information, click here.
- National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference: June 23-26, Salt Lake City. For more information, click here.
- Free bus passes: Sacramento RT has free bus passes for students in kindergarten through 12th grade as well as foster and homeless youth. Kids don’t have to live in Sacramento; several school districts are included. Check here for more information.
- Science Olympiad: Sacramento-area student science teams in grades 3 through 12 compete in various events during this one-day science extravaganza in March. Click here for details.