Naturally curious, it doesn't take much to pique the interest of a child. When that interest lies with the natural world, there's a local group that helps to sate that curiosity.
Founded in 2004, Prince George Young Naturalists' Club (PGYNC) provides an outlet for outdoor enthusiasts between the ages of five and 12.
Scattered throughout the province, young naturalists clubs have been a B.C. staple since 2000 as a volunteer-led registered charity with a goal of inspiring ecological literacy in children to help them make better better-informed decisions with respect to the natural world.
Prince George resident Gail Ross started the local chapter eight years ago and, along with her co-leaders, has made sure it is also a lot of fun.
The group meets for monthly excursions, such as Sunday's trip to Forests for the World, where young naturalists learned tips and tricks animals use to adapt and survive.
"I saw there was a need to provide an opportunity for kids to get outdoors and have some natural experience," said Ross, who was approached to begin the P.G. group by Young Naturalists' Club president Daphne Solecki.
"Kids at that age have a natural curiosity. If children have an opportunity to experience nature when they're young, it helps to encourage a life-long interest," said Ross.
Creating a connection between young people and the outdoors is a positive thing, said Doug Beckett whose daughter Kate is a member of the club.
"And the kids get to share the experience with other kids around their age, which encourages them to be more open," Beckett said, while watching the group of youngsters play a game that taught them about predators and prey led by University of Northern B.C. students.
Kate, who turned 11 years old during the April Fools Day outing, said she is a part of the PGYNC because "it's fun."
"It depends on what the event is, but I always learn at least one thing, for sure," said Kate, who began coming to PGYNC club events as an unofficial member before she even reached five years old by tagging along with her older brother
Members of the club go on 10 outings per year, usually on Sunday afternoons. Previous events have taken the club to learn about fish habitats at a fishery, crouch for frogs or scan the skies for birds. They also do indoor activities at Exploration Place.
"We get local experts involved," said Ross, who is also an instructor in UNBC's Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management program.
"For the last three years, I've encouraged my students to get involved and lead outings. It helps provide greater variety to the families that have been long-time members."
The club's membership fee also includes a subscription to B.C.-centric kid's magazine NatureWILD.
Those who may be interested in joining the PGYNC can join the group on an outing to try it out. The group's next outing is May 6, location to be determined.
"It would be great to have a few more families," Ross said.
For more information about the club, or to register, contact the Prince George Young Naturalists' Club at [email protected] or visit the provincial website at www.ync.ca.
