YELLOWSTONE ASSOCIATION INSTITUTE FAMILY PROGRAMS ALLOW FAMILIES TO LEARN – AND LAUGH – TOGETHER
The non-profit Yellowstone Association Institute (YAI) believes you are never too young or old to learn. That’s why the organization includes among its extensive educational programs numerous experiences that are perfect for family groups.
Two programs are a particularly good fit for families: the multi-day “Yellowstone for Families” Lodging & Learning program and a stay at the Yellowstone Overlook with Private Tours. With both the Lodging & Learning program and Private Tours, participants are led by a YAI naturalist-guide who specializes in educating visitors about the world’s first national park – its geological mysteries, abundant wildlife and fascinating and sometimes befuddling human history. Naturalist-guides personalize their programs for the particular needs and interests of each group, so even very young visitors can begin to foster an appreciation for the natural and historic world of Yellowstone.
“Our naturalist-guides are adept at focusing their interpretive messages to the needs and interests of the group, and they have been known to get a little silly around their youngest charges, especially when they think they are beginning to turn kids on to the wonders of the park,” said Jeff Brown, education director for the Yellowstone Association. “For example, we haven’t found a kid yet who wasn’t at least a little interested in learning to identify animal scat. Children have so much fun they simply forget they are learning fundamental lessons about wildlife biology.”
What a GREAT idea for fans of man’s best friend and other orphaned animals…
Green Earth Travel has announced “trips that make a difference” vacations that enable animal lovers to care for orphaned animals, then kick back camping at the Grand Canyon August 9-14, or at a spa in Zion National Park October 5-10.
“We are proud to once again offer these unusual trips for animal lovers around the country,” comments Donna Zeigfinger, Green Earth Travel President. “Guests will enjoy high quality time at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary caring for their residents and learning about Best Friends’ tradition of service. Following a couple of days of dedicated to the animals, they will have an opportunity to enjoy the dramatic beauty of our desert southwest.” In June and August, Grand Canyon trip guests will venture to the North Rim of the canyon itself to camp out after witnessing the spectacular view, hiking and enjoying an evening around a toasty campfire.
The October 5- 10, 2010 trip will offer a well-deserved indulgence after the caretaking at Best Friends, when travelers head to Zion National Park and Flanigan’s Inn. There they will have a chance to hike the dramatic canyon landscape, participate in a yoga refresher, or find a uniquely silent space to meditate at this desert hideaway.
a guest blog by Lauren Hefferon
Reflections on the 2009 Adventure Travel World Summit by Lauren Hefferon, Ciclismo Classico Founder & Director
As I was walking my 6-year old to school down very busy Massachusetts Avenue he remarked at the car fumes and quietly said “You know mom, I don’t think there is much we can do about global warming.” Whoaaa! Simultaneously I was concerned yet curious that a young child could already sense the precarious state of the world and feel so hopeless. Later that day I had the same concerns expressed to me by an elderly woman who was similarly concerned about the demise of the planet she had seen in her lifetime and the serious environmental issues that her 20 grandchildren would face.
My retort to these two voices representing a complete generational spectrum was the same: We cannot be optimistic or pessimistic, we must be determined to make a difference.