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Kids put the Nature Exploration Backpacks to good use at Claytor Lake State Park in Dublin (Photo courtesy Pittsylvania County Public Library).
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Kids put the Nature Exploration Backpacks to good use at Claytor Lake State Park in Dublin (Photo courtesy Pittsylvania County Public Library).
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Kids put the Nature Exploration Backpacks to good use at Claytor Lake State Park in Dublin (Photo courtesy Pittsylvania County Public Library).
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The Nature Exploration Backpack (Photo courtesy Henrico County Public Library)
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Some of the contents of the Nature Exploration Backpack (Photo courtesy Henrico County Public Library)
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A young girl examines a creature on the beach at Kiptopeake State Park in Cape Charles with the help of a magnifying glass from the Nature Exploration Backpack (Photo by Lisa Seward, courtesy Pamunkey Regional Library).
In a world where one of the main sources of outdoor exposure has become chasing Pokémon characters through the streets, Henrico County Public Library presents a fun way to get people outdoors, minus the cellphones.
In addition to featured events, book discussion, story time for kids and much more, HCPL launched its latest program, Nature Exploration Backpacks, on July 20 to encourage kids to get active in the great outdoors.
Each backpack includes a parking pass and entrance for the day to all Virginia State Parks, several pocket guides for plants and animals, a bug habitat and more.
Thanks to a partnership between the Library of Virginia, Virginia State Parks and the Science Museum of Virginia, the HCPL is able to promote not only good health and exercise, but also family time.
“Today children spend less time outdoors and even less immersed in nature-based activities,” said Virginia State Parks Director Craig Seaver. “These backpacks will provide opportunities for families to venture out to a park.”
According to a press release from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, more than 119 libraries across Virginia are offering the new Nature Exploration Backpacks, including HCPL’s five area libraries. Each library has four backpacks in stock that are available for checkout.
The backpacks are available to check out for a period of two weeks at a time, and, similar to checking out a book, all you need is a library card and you’ll be prepared to hit the trails throughout Virginia.
Not just a seasonal addition to library programming, the backpacks will remain available year-round.
Youth Services Coordinator for HCPL Rick Samuelson explains that while the backpacks are geared toward elementary school-aged children, they also appeal to teens and even adults.
“They have been very popular so far,” said Samuelson, who has been working with HCPL since March 2015. “The kids are really excited about the bug habitats.”
Because of the overwhelming response to the Nature Exploration Backpacks, come early October, HCPL will be launching a new backpack program for bird watching designed for children from 4 to 8 years old.
Though the Nature Exploration Backpacks include many of the necessary items for a successful hike, don’t forget to pack plenty of water. With proper hydration and a fully equipped backpack, you will be ready to take on any trail.
This newly developed program is funded through a grant awarded to the Library of Virginia from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
HCPL is open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit henricolibrary.org to reserve a Nature Exploration Backpack and see a complete list of its contents.
