Learn how to connect youths, nature

 The education staff at Glacier National Park, in conjunction with the Flathead Community of Resource Educators, is offering a free workshop for parents, educators and others who work with children focused on how to get children outside and engaged with nature.

The session will be from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 9 at Lone Pine State Park near Kalispell.

Topics to be covered include how to encourage youths to spend time outdoors, fun activities that connect children with nature, and places in the community for outdoor play.

Other organizations involved include the Flathead Conservation District, Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center, Flathead National Forest and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

A large portion of the day will be spent outdoors, so participants should come prepared for the weather and bring a bagged lunch.

All workshop participants will receive a free annual Glacier National Park pass, valid for unlimited visits to Glacier National Park for 12 months, plus a copy of Richard Louv’s book, “Last Child in the Woods — Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.” The workshop is limited to the first 40 registrants.

Staffers from Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center will provide a free concurrent children’s camp for up to 20 school-aged children who accompany parents attending the workshop.

Contact Debby Mensch at debby_mensch@nps.gov or (406) 888-7942 to register and for further information.

This is the third year this workshop has been made possible through a grant from the Glacier National Park Fund.