Programs at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve are not just for adults. This UC Davis-managed unit of the UC Natural Reserve System also features Nature’s Theater for children — and volunteers are being recruited to guide these programs.
UC Davis students, in particular, might find the experience enjoyable and satisfying, said Jeff Falyn, who coordinates the reserve’s programs.
He said Nature’s Theater, a Yolo County organization that is seeking nonprofit status, runs the children’s programs at Stebbins Cold Canyon and will run a two-day training session for volunteer guides.
The training is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 27 and March 6, with March 13 designated as a makeup day in the event of rain. The training will be at Stebbins Cold Canyon, Falyn said.
“To participate in this training, all you need is a love of nature and a desire to connect young children to the joys of outdoor play and learning,” Falyn said. “The outings are easy to run and the training will provide all the tips and suggestions you need to make the experience memorable for both you and the kids.”
In Nature’s Theater programs, volunteer guides lead “walking” stories in which costumed characters interact with the children. In the course of the stories, the children might explore topics about animals, trees, seasonal changes, life cycles or the world of the small.
People who complete the training will be eligible to lead children’s outings; the tentative schedule shows seven outings from mid-March through May.
The training is free. Space is limited, Falyn said, so he advised interested people to sign up early. For more information, or to sign up, send e-mails to Falyn, jfalyn@ucdavis.edu.
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Dave Jones, Dateline, 530-752-6556, dljones@ucdavis.edu