Hike the Appalachian Trail (AT) Outdoor Skills and Adventures - Level 1 - Fall 2023

***By request, a 1-DAY CRASH COURSE has been added on Saturday, September 9, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Willowhaven.  Use this registration but select the option for Crash Course. This still includes the optional Glamping overnight***

*All programs take place at the park district to include overnight GLAMPING at Willowhaven on 12/16/23.*

Love the outdoors, outdoor skills, hiking, and adventures such as glamping (indoor camping)?  If so, this program is for you!  Participants will learn all about the Appalachian Trail and learn the skills they would need to hike it in the future!   

In collaboration with Bourbonnais Township Park District, this fall, youth age 12-18 (or younger with guardian attendance and assistance) can participate in a fun and engaging outdoor skills and overnight glamping event at the beautiful Willowhaven in Kankakee, part of Bourbonnais Township Park District.

Participants will learn about and practice skills in any or all of the following as time allows. 

Participants will be given optional activities and challenges to complete between sessions in which they can earn beads for their paracord keepsake representing their journey with us.

Date, time, and location - all at Willowhaven.  Exact topics subject to change pending participant interest and time.

If participants are unable to make one or more of the dates, they can request a take home kit for most of the activities.  Just let us know as soon as possible.  Also, we understand overnight glamping isn't for everyone (but you should give it a shot if you haven't done so already), so this is an optional event in the series.  You can come just for the culminating event/showcase and leave at "bedtime" if you don't want to stay over. 

Hike the AT level 2 will be offered right after level 1.  This registration is ONLY for level 1.  Level 2 will be announced later in August.

OVERNIGHT GLAMPING (INDOOR Camping) Option - If you choose to glamp, all youth are required to stay with a parent and/or guardian - ne exceptions.   This is an OPTIONAL activity as is limited to 10 families - first come, first serve.

EARLY EVENING - If you prefer not to glamp overnight, youth can stay until the early evening and enjoy the campfire and a night hike then leave after.

This event is part of our multi-year, multi-county YES (Youth for Environmental Sustainability Program), which we'll discuss at the program and send more information later.

Youth will be encouraged to enroll in fair projects summer 2024 as related to activities in this program.  This is not required but we'd LOVE to see what youth have learned!!! 

Registration information:

ACCOMMODATION? If you need reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, email SLRange@illinois.edu at least two weeks before the program begins.

WEATHER - In the event of inclement weather (storms and heavy rain), the event will be converted to at home learning or added on to another date, where possible.  Notifications will be sent ASAP if inclement weather is predicted.

FOOD - We will provide ingredients to make a snacks such as pie iron pizzas, s'mores or banana chocolate boats, etc. over the campfire (if weather allows) at the culminating evening once it's dark.  Please bring your own "dinner" and water or other drinks as needed.

TEEN TEACHERS and VOLUNTEERS WANTED!!! - We LOVE Teen Teachers and Volunteers!!!! Without you, we couldn't make these programs happen.  If you have a teen interested in arriving early and learning leadership and outdoor skills prior to each program and doing a little bit of pre-learning then helping teach, sign them up at no charge!  Volunteers are needed for anything from program prep to ensuring all participants sign in, and even to help teach!  Email Shannon Range at SLRange@illinois.edu for more details.

SCHOOLS, Libraries, Homeschool Groups, and Community Organizations - If you are interested in hosting this program through your school, many of the activities are directly tied to Next General Science Standards (NGSS) and Illinois Learning Standards.  Contact Shannon for details.

PROGRAM AWARDS - This program, Hike the AT (Appalachian Trail) Outdoor Skills & Adventures, has won state and regional awards and is currently in the running for national awards.  Educator Shannon Range will be presenting this program at the national conference in Pittsburgh, October 2023 and hopes to publish this program statewide for 4-H.  In addition, Shannon received the Excellent in Geospatial Programs and the Denise Miller State 4-H Innovator Award for this program Fall of 2022.

INSTRUCTOR - 4-H Youth Development Educator Shannon Range, SLRange@illinois.edu

We look forward to seeing you all and do not hesitate to reach out to me, Shannon, with any questions!!!!