Kids on Public Lands
Spending the day in the National Forest. For many kids, the idea of the forest is an unattainable dream. With Kids on Public Lands, it’s a dream come true. A partnership of volunteers from the San Bernardino National Forest Association, several 4x4 clubs, the Anaheim Police Athletic League and the Anaheim YMCA host 88 children for a day where they discover the forest–learn about natural resources, experience off–highway trails, and come to understand a little about the plants and animals in this natural environment.
The program serves children from the Anaheim area in Orange County who are a part of the Anaheim YMCA after school education and recreation program, a program that assists them with learning skills to make sure they will meet the standards necessary to pass into the next grade. As a reward for meeting a level of participation and excellence, these children are treated to a Kids of Public Land event.
The program has been an outstanding success for the children, parents and YMCA. The Anaheim Police Department’s PAL program provides additional adult staffing and support.
On Saturday forty–four boys and on Sunday forty–four girls come to the Big Bear Discovery Center for a trail ride mentored by either a man or a woman driver–providing both girls and boys with role models for the experience. The day long adventure also includes a tour of the Big Bear Discovery Center, hands on experience and learning about mountain plants and animals, firefighting and the forest, and motorcycle and ATV safety.
Both the kids and the volunteers have an opportunity for fun together at a hot BBQ lunch with drinks and dessert.
Each event requires about 80 volunteers from media relations volunteers and barbecue cooks to trail drivers. If you’d like to give an experience of the forest to an urban kid, click here.
What do Kids on Public Lands Experience?
Trail Rides
After you meet your driver, you’ll experience
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Checking vehicle safety equipment
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Using a CB radio
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Driving on dirt and rock trails
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Enjoying the scenic outdoors
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Visiting a historic fire lookout site
Back at the Discovery Center—
Find out about
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Animals and plants on our local mountains
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Fire safety and firefighters
Don’t Forget Lunch—
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BBQ hamburgers and hotdogs for everyone
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Drinks
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Desserts
Or These Very Special Extras—
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Learn to pan for gold like the 49er’s
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Meet Smokey Bear
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ATV and motorcycle safety presentation
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Meet the Forest Ranger
Do they like their day in the forest? Just check out these thank you notes and our photo album.