Great Plains Conservation, a leading tourism-conservation organization, is dedicated to cultivating a passion for conservation among the younger generation. To achieve this, Great Plains has introduced two important initiatives: the Young Explorers Program and the Student Conservation Camps. These programs are designed to provide educational and enjoyable experiences for children between the ages of six and 15, both for safari guests and the local community.
The Young Explorers Program is available at all of Great Plains’ camps in Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. It offers a family-friendly experience that combines fun activities with conservation learning. Upon arrival at the camp, each child receives a Young Explorers pack, which includes an activity book filled with exciting information about animals, plants, star facts, word games, and a safari journal. Throughout their stay, Great Plains’ staff and guides tailor activities to suit the children’s ages and interests, encouraging them to explore the bush and learn about wildlife. This can include guided bush walks to discover local creatures, learning about plants and insects, tracking animal behavior, and engaging in exciting adventures such as horseback safaris, canoeing, and even bush cricket. The camp also offers a range of entertainment options, from Young Explorers massages, manis, and pedis at the Bush Spa, to traditional bracelet making, movie nights, and cooking lessons. Specially tailored menus are also provided, featuring children’s favorite dishes, snacks, mocktails, and other refreshments.
Importantly, Great Plains Conservation is equally committed to fostering the next generation of conservationists within Africa. Through its long-running philanthropic program called the Student Conservation Camps, the Great Plains Foundation works with local students and teachers to offer environmental and conservation education. For over 10 years, hundreds of local children have participated in these camps. The programs, offered throughout the year, take place at the Great Plains camps and move the classes outside of traditional classrooms. Students are given themed assignments and engage in field studies, observing and learning about their ecosystems. They are supported by mentors, conservation experts, and safari guides who facilitate discussions, tasks, and social activities like sports competitions and games. Through these experiences, the students develop close connections with professional environmentalists and gain positive examples from those who have dedicated their careers to preserving the fragile African ecosystem. The hope is that these young students will develop their own passion for protecting the wildlife and environment.
Great Plains and its Foundation believe that conservation education provides a unique opportunity to introduce the next generation to nature at a crucial time in their lives. Through thoughtful engagement, environmental education, mentorship, and fun experiences, children and youth from around the world can learn to love and appreciate the wonders of Africa, and make a sustainable commitment to protecting the planet.
Related Post
In conclusion, Great Plains Conservation is actively promoting conservation education and nurturing a love for wildlife and nature among children through its Young Explorers Program and Student Conservation Camps. By combining fun-filled activities with valuable learning experiences, Great Plains inspires the conservationist-explorers of tomorrow, both within its safari guests and the local community. Through these initiatives, Great Plains strives to create a generation that understands the importance of preserving the natural world and is committed to its protection.
