Trail to Family and Community at Carkeek
Camp Fire was excited to visit some of our Day Camps this summer to lead fun group activities from our Camp Fire Group Program curriculum! Our curriculum features five trails: Trail to Knowing Me, Trail to Family and Community, Trail to Creativity, Trail to the Environment and Trail to the Future. These trails are sets of projects that our youth can complete in order to earn emblems and beads as they work through each level in Camp Fire. Each Trail is designed to be entertaining, informative and challenging to the designated age group and program level.
Observing and Learning
We had a blast exploring the wetlands of Carkeek Park with campers and teaching them how the wetlands help the Puget Sound! Campers also learned about local salmon runs, restoration projects and how they can help the environment stay healthy and strong! This activity reflects Camp Fire’s Trail to Family and Community curriculum, which teaches youth about their local communities and how they can help make a difference.
Wetlands Activity
When we first arrived to the wetlands, campers were greeted with a great view of Piper’s Creek. We stopped and observed the area while talking about the local salmon population, their life cycle and how their lifespan depends on a healthy stream. Before we continued down the trail, we discussed why keeping salmon healthy is important for communities near the Puget Sound.
After wandering down the next section of trail and making observations, we took a pit stop by the creek and talked about the restoration plan for Carkeek Park. Campers learned why invasive plant species are harmful, why creating a diverse forest is important and how to keep an eye out for delicate new growth that can easily be damaged if stepped on.
The last stop on our hike was a section of wetlands that had a lot of still and dirty water. Sadly, there were even a few water bottles that had been carelessly tossed. The campers automatically picked up on the litter and dirty looking water, saying neither were healthy for the local plants and animals. They then learned how plants in the wetlands help absorb pollutants by acting as a natural water filter, keeping both streams and the Puget Sound more clean!
On our hike out, campers were able to observe their surroundings in a new way and began to connect how everything in the wetlands works together as a team!
Making a Difference!
By participating in Trail to Family and Community activities in Camp Fire Group Programs, youth build an appreciation for their community and learn how they can make a difference! Other activities related to this trail include having youth draw a map of their community, searching for newspaper articles about people helping others, or interviewing a community member about their job.
Learn More About Camp Fire Group Programs
Learn more about starting a group and discover how to get started in Camp Fire and join us for one of our council events that are open to non-members and are a great way to try out Camp Fire with your child or family. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Rebecca Bobko, Director of Community Programs, at (206) 826-8934 or rebeccab@campfireseattle.org.