Our excursions to Camp Okihi and the California Living Museum offered families and students an immersive experience in the principles of land conservation and environmental stewardship. During our visit to Camp Okihi, students gained firsthand insights into land conservation efforts. They witnessed the transformative impact of the WWF's dedication to rejuvenating previously neglected areas.

The founding members not only showcased their hard work but also emphasized the ongoing commitment needed to preserve the land at Camp Okihi. At CALM Zoo, students encountered a diverse array of animal species, many of which were previously only studied in textbooks or seen in videos. This visit allowed them to observe these creatures up close and witness the dedicated stewardship required for their care. These experiences not only deepened their understanding but also cultivated a profound appreciation for the environment and nurtured a sense of environmental stewardship. The exposure to such impactful experiences during this crucial developmental stage in their lives is invaluable. It goes beyond classroom learning, leaving an indelible mark on their awareness, fostering a genuine connection to nature, and instilling a responsibility to protect and preserve our environment.

In 2024, our project set out to host eight family nature day workshops at our pocket park (our home base), along with two family nature walks and two field trips to the CALM Zoo. This year, we successfully organized seven family nature days and added five mini family nature days. These included activities at our annual East Bakersfield Festival, as well as events like El Día de Los Niños and Art in the Park , in partnership with the local nonprofit Outsiders Nation Mobile Impact. This flexibility allowed us to expand programming and engage more families in meaningful ways. Our partnership with the Bopays & Girls Club and a retired Science Teacher provided monthly educational workshops at the pocket park.

Thanks to our successful collaboration with the Kern Superintendent of Schools, we established meaningful partnerships with both the White Wolf Wellness Foundation and the California Living Museum. Accomplishments: In April, our collaboration with the White Wolf Wellness Foundation enabled 15 families and 37 kids to experience the educational wonders of Camp Okihi.

Situated near the Kern River, WWF manages 14 acres dedicated to outdoor education, covering essential topics such as composting, water sequestration, land conservation, and gardening. In October, our joint effort with the California Living Museum provided an enriching experience for 15 families and 32 kids as they explored a zoo showcasing endangered species native to Kern County.

Returning Partners: White Wolf Wellness Foundation : Offering families an immersive experience at Camp Okihi. CALM Zoo : This year’s collaboration in June yielded our largest turnout to date, showcasing the success of renewed efforts to engage families. Boys and Girls After-School Program : Partnership with the Boys and Girls After-School program provided a consistent flow of participants. 2. New Partnerships: Panorama Vista Preserve and Kern Nature Center at Hart Park : These partnerships expanded our outdoor educational offerings Local Outdoor Enthusiasts and Experts : The Little Hikers of Bakersfield (mom-led hiking group with children) Doug Lemmons (reptile specialist) Clagg’s Kayak Rentals Sierra Club Kern Youth2Leaders California Native Plant Society Kern Astronomical Society These collaborations brought expertise and passion to our Family Nature Walks.

A critical takeaway from these endeavors is the importance of maintaining consistent and clear communication with all stakeholders, including partners, parents, students, and transportation.

In addressing unexpected challenges, we encountered difficulty in maintaining consistent participation across our eight family nature day workshops. Our primary engagement came from larger community events held throughout the year, featuring diverse resource and food vendors. To enhance participation levels for the upcoming year, we are strategizing a more collaborative approach.

We intend to closely align with our community home base, Williams Elementary School's after-school program, aiming to increase participation numbers. Simultaneously, we plan to enhance our curriculum, ensuring that it offers unique activities beyond the scope of the school environment, providing children with valuable experiences not readily accessible during regular school hours. This will be achieved by cultivating new partnerships with educational and nature-based nonprofits in our community, while also sustaining the ones established this year.

Lessons Learned Activity Leader Selection: Our current Family Nature Day (FND) leader, though qualified, struggled to connect with younger children (ages 5-12), as their approach seemed better suited to older youth (ages 13+). This year’s experience highlighted the importance of selecting leaders who align with the developmental needs of the target age group. Resource Utilization: The FND leader brought a personal repository of supplies, which limited opportunities for collaborative planning and allocation of funds toward new materials. Plans for Improvement We plan to hire a younger, qualified leader who can better connect with younger children. By the end of next year, we plan to fully utilize the remaining funds to maximize the program’s effectiveness.