There are many ways to introduce environmental concepts and awareness among the young, and it includes approaches that make it more fun and enjoyable to the participants.
Close to 1,200 scouters from Quezon City were treated to a day of learning and enjoyment as the Boy Scouts of the Philippines-Quezon City Council collaborated with the Manila Ocean Park for the First Nature Exploration Day last Oct. 12.
The activity, spearheaded by BSP-QCC Council chairman Godofredo Liban III and District-1 Committee chairman Elizabeth Delarmente, was supported by Quezon City Councilors Jorge Banal and Eric Medina.
“Kids should experience and appreciate the value of nature conservation,” shared Antonio C. Merino, Scout Executive of the BSP Quezon City Council during a break in the activity.
Merino, who mentioned initial apprehensions about the project being approved, noted that the Ocean Park experience allows the participants a chance “to enjoy learning while acquiring awareness on the importance of nature and its constituents.”
Merino also appealed for improved support to the Scouting movement as he announced future joint international networking projects with scouts’ councils based in Singapore, Thailand, Japan and South Korea.
Explore nature conservation, experience marine interaction
With the theme “Ginting Butil ng Kaalaman mula sa Kalikasan,” the sightseeing and interactive activities featured visits to the park’s attractions such as the Oceanarium, Trails to Antartica, World of Creepy Crawlies and the Jellies Exhibit.
It included educational shows featuring the park’s sea lions and trained birds which even demonstrated to the audience steps on how to help keep the environment clean.
As explained by Lolita Malaza, BSP-QCC Deputy Commissioner for the Kids Scouts, skills and discipline are not just learned in the classroom.
“Scouting activities, such as this Nature Expedition project, provide kids new opportunities to better appreciate the environment, and how they can help protect it,” shared Malaza.
For QC Council-BSP Board member Esperanza Fe Castor-Pangan, the exploration activity, aside from being a new experience for most of the participants, helps promote the value of camaraderie.
“Sa mga ganitong activity, the scouting movement enjoys the support of the private sector, and the parents, all of which are united in educating the young practical ideas about the environment,” said Castor-Pangan.