Muddy Sneakers Program Awarded North Carolina Conservation Organization of the Year Award
OutdoorHub 08.30.11
Muddy Sneakers, the innovative program that brings “the joy of learning outside” to 5th grade students, has been honored by being chosen the Conservation Organization of the Year in the 2010 Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards program. The North Carolina Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation sponsor this award that highlights individuals and organizations that have exemplified conservation activism across the state. The award was presented to Muddy Sneakersʼ President, Gloria Clouse, on August 27th, 2011 at the Annual Governor’s Conservation Achievement Awards Program in Durham, N.C.
Muddy Sneakers, entering its fourth year of operations, is a proven effective program that brings public school educators and students into outdoor learning experiences. Field instructors work with 5th grade students and teachers to create a life-long love of nature, a commitment to stewardship, improved academic performance, an enthusiasm for health and fitness, and an understanding of the interconnectedness within the natural world.
The Muddy Sneakers approach has markedly improved students’ science end of grade test scores. Teachers accompany each classroom group of 10 to 12 students and a Muddy Sneakers field instructor for the day, as they focus on a topic of study, chosen by the classroom teacher. Students, as well as the teachers, are excited about the expeditions. They become connected to nature as they make discoveries in their own back yards. The program consists of six or more structured outdoor expeditions per year. More than 3,000 children have been served to date.
Additionally, Muddy Sneakers is working to form community partnerships to connect local groups with their schools, classrooms, and students. There is a growing interest throughout the country on the part of teachers and parents for children to engage inactive outdoor learning. Linking schools with community groups interested in conservation, nature, and education is a focus of the organization to keep the Muddy Sneakers program sustainable for future groups of students.
The concept of this form of experiential education is gaining wide support in the Western North Carolina area and is being expanded into South Carolina this coming school year.
For more information, visit www.muddysneakers.org, or contact Karen Ramsaur, outreach program director for Muddy Sneakers at (828) 862-5560.
