Youth group seeks to connect kids with nature

Co-founders Karen South, Carlos Florey and co-director Carter Eash need help to keep children YAKIN.

YAKIN — which stands for Youth, Adventure, Knowledge, Inspiration from Nature— is a nonprofit based in Columbia Falls and Eureka. Established in May 2011, the organization is dedicated to bringing youths into outdoor adventures.

The organization will have its first fundraiser Saturday in Columbia Falls.

South said the inspiration to found the outfit came after reading “The Last Child in the Woods: Saving our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.” The book by Richard Louv describes how today’s young people are disconnected from the outdoors.

After reading the book, the nonprofit’s founders wanted to do something to help youths overcome that disconnect with nature.

“We really feel it’s important to unplug kids that are plugged in and sitting on the couch to help them embrace nature again and have experiential learning through challenges and adventures,” South said.

A team-building day trip June 2 will herald YAKIN’s first ongoing summer youth trip for seventh- and eighth-graders in the Flathead Valley. Twenty-two students have registered for the program, South said.

Students are responsible for gathering monetary pledges to do 10 hours of community service during the spring to earn the $300 needed to participate in hiking, climbing, rafting and backpacking trips.

The community service opportunities the organization schedules are outdoor adventures in themselves. Students have had recent opportunities to get their hours in by cleaning mountain trails with Montana Conservation Corps and doing neighborhood cleanup in Columbia Falls and Whitefish. On May 5, youths will go on a “Hike and Clean” in Lone Pine.

The “ongoing” component of YAKIN summer youth trips is a goal for students returning each year as teen leaders and mentors to new students.

YAKIN’s mission is to educate through experience. Other outdoor opportunities include rock-climbing trips with Glacier Adventure Guides for 6- to 12-year-olds and mountain biking for 9- to 13-year-olds.

“Kids really like it,” South said. “They are embracing the program and want to do more.”

Those wanting to help the nonprofit will have an opportunity to do so this weekend.

To help, get out gently used outdoor gear such as climbing gear, backpacks, tents, clothing and shoes. Those items may be donated at YAKIN’s first fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Discovery Square in Columbia Falls.

There will be a pizza tasting, silent auction and music by acoustic guitarist Deidre Heaton.

Admission is $10 per person, or $25 per family.  

For more information, call 212-3785, email karen@goyakin.org or visit www.goyakin.org.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com