OC Department of Education Visits the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach-TLC Branch
TLC members of the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach enjoyed a very special visit from Inside the Outdoors-Traveling Scientist Program. Inside the Outdoors is a unique and hands-on environmental education program administered by the Orange County Department of Education. Through a very generous grant, Inside the Outdoors funded a partnership that includes one live animal presentation and one live animal exhibit that will be featured at the TLC Pancake Breakfast and Grand Re-Opening.
Live animals were presented to children by a talented “Traveling Scientist” that used a vivid and compelling story, intertwining introductions with important animal facts. The story, riddled with educational tidbits, was geared for our Kindergarten and first graders, but was enjoyed by all when the fourth and fifth graders requested that they too hear the story! Club members learned more about the unique characteristics and behaviors of mammals, reptiles, birds, and other species of the animal kingdom and were able to actually pet and observe them in a safe environment; something that they would hardly get a chance to do up close. Children met a one-eyed Owl named, Leroy, and a deaf and blind opossum named, Annabelle. Besides scientific standards being taught, the program fosters a commitment to the protection and understanding of the environment and animals. The overall message was one of respect and rehabilitating hurt animals. The boys and girls from TLC loved Inside the Outdoors and can’t wait to see them again next year.
