Kids Summer Series: Nature Journaling & Play — Afton State Park, MN

Sat, 4:00pm - 6:00pmJun 132026

Description:

Bring your little ones (or not so little ones) to learn about the basics of nature journaling in Afton State Park, with extra time to play and enjoy nature together afterwards.

I will plan to lead an introductory activity and provide some nature journaling prompts. From there you will be free to explore the area observing, drawing, and filling your nature journal. As your kids tire of journaling, we can transition to unstructured play and social time. We will go with the flow, to keep it light and fun. If everyone is engaged and having fun, we could work in nature journals for an hour or two. If interest drops off in 10 minutes, we can jump into some games and play in the park! The goal is for everyone to have a good time in nature.

Some more details:

We will meet down in the picnic grounds at Afton State Park, by the very last parking lot at the end of the park road. I will claim a table for us to start at and manage supplies.
I will plan nature journaling prompts/activities that will be geared towards ages 8 and up, if they are working independently. However, younger kids could participate with support from an adult.
I will bring a slackline and a couple lawn games for parents and kids to use when journaling wraps up. Bring additional lawn games or activities if you have them! I don’t have all that many.
Nature journals will be provided for any kids who attend, or you may bring your own if you want something personalized. Because the journals I have were donated specifically for engaging kids in nature, I ask that any adults who want to participate supply their own journal (any notebook or sketchbook can work).
I will also supply some basic drawing/writing utensils (likely pencils, colored pencils, and crayons). You are also welcome to bring your own pencil pouch of supplies if you like.

To register for the trip, please fill out this Google Form.

*If I haven’t gotten any interest by Friday morning (6/12), I will likely cancel this trip to attend other Extravaganza events.

Waivers are required for all participants. If you are not a current Rover, please fill out the trip waiver below. Since children cannot be official Rovers members, you must fill out a waiver for each separate child attending.

Coordinator(s):

Ben M - ben.mckenzie113@gmail.com - (651) 315-2252

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To join the trip, please contact the trip coordinator directly (see above).

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Last Revised: October 2024