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The Children’s Nature Institute

www.childrensnatureinstitute.org

Organization Type:
Non-profit

Mission:
The mission of The Children’s Nature Institute is to educate children through interactive experiences with nature, and to inspire a sense of respect and responsibility for the natural environment.

Contact:
Lizette Castaño, Executive Director
The Children’s Nature Institute
Franklin Canyon Park
2600 Franklin Canyon Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: (310) 860-9484
Fax: (310) 860-9019
info@childrensnatureinstitute.org

Geographical Focus:
Local, Regional

Counties Served:
Los Angeles, Ventura

Activities:
Education

Topic:
Bay & Estuary Habitats, Beaches, Watersheds/Hydrology, Wetlands, Wildlife

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Newsletter, Website, hands-on (in-class) natural science workshops (the CNI Wonder Mobile)

Education Programs:
Family Nature Walks: Nature adventures for kids eight and under, offered at safe beach and mountain trails in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, taking place on weekdays and weekends; a schedule and sign-up information can be found on the CNI web site (www.childrensnatureinstitute.org/walks/familywalks.php). By conducting age-appropriate activities on the trail, CNI’s Volunteer Walk Leaders model instructional techniques that can be used later by parents. These walks also help build awareness of the natural areas available to families for such activities.

The Outreach Discovery Program: Hands-on, nature-based educational experiences for children, their families and teachers. This program serves at-risk, underserved, and special needs children who have little or no access to quality programs and resources. The program is offered free of charge to all participants and includes a visit from the Wonder Mobile, CNI’s traveling nature workshop; an activity book (described below) and curriculum materials for teachers; and a field trip to a mountain or beach area, where CNI-trained volunteers lead children in educational activities along the trail.

Trails, Tails and Tidepools in Pails: CNI’s award-winning activity book is available free to participants in the Outreach Discovery Program, and can be purchased by anyone else through our web site (www.childrensnatureinstitute.org/store/engbook.html). It features over 100 fun nature activities for families and teachers to use with babies and young children, and was written by a team of child development specialists and naturalists.

Target Audiences:
K-3, Adult, Teacher, Non-formal Educator, General Public

Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 60

Other Languages:
Cantos, Caminos y Juegos para Niños is the Spanish language version of our award-winning nature activity book for young children.

In-Service Training:
Docents/Volunteers:
CNI’s Volunteer Training Program prepares members of the community – from children to retirees – to lead Outreach Field Trips and Family Nature Walk for CNI. Professional naturalists and experienced docents teach new volunteers about local flora and fauna, Native American history and customs, and many other topics; experienced docents also share their experiences from the trail and provide guidance on the kinds of educational activities best suited for children of different ages. Enrichment activities (e.g., field trips to walk sites, workshops on particular natural history topics) are offered to volunteers throughout the year. Volunteers also receive a bimonthly newsletter with additional tips and suggestions about leading nature walks.

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
Volunteer Walk Leader
  Description:
Volunteer Walk Leaders lead nature walks at various locations in LA and Ventura Counties for groups of underprivileged children as part of our Outreach Discovery Program, and for families from the general public as part of our Family Nature Walk program. Volunteers lead children in age-appropriate educational activities on the trail, such as singing songs about natural history concepts, exploring the textures and scents of native plants, or looking for signs of animal life.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
Before leading walks, volunteers must complete CNI’s Volunteer Training Program, offered several times each year, and “sweep” (assist with) two Outreach Field Trips and two Family Nature Walks. No prerequisites for attending training, other than an interest in nature and in children!
  Commitment Required:
Volunteers are requested to lead at least one walk per month. Each walk is two hours long. Outreach walks typically take place from 10 am – noon, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; Family walks are scheduled at the Volunteer Walk Leader’s convenience.
  Application/Training:
Volunteer application forms are available online at www.childrensnatureinstitute.org/volunteer/training.html; or call CNI’s Volunteer Coordinator at (310) 860-9484 to sign up for training.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
James Sackheim, Volunteer Coordinator
(310) 860-9484 james@childrensnatureinstitute.org



 

Program:
Sweep

  Description:
Sweeps assist Volunteer Walk Leaders with CNI’s nature walks for young children and their teachers and/or families at various locations in LA and Ventura Counties. Typically, sweeps bring up the rear of the group along the trail, making sure there are no stragglers. Sweeps may also assist leaders with activities.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
None, other than an interest in nature and in children
  Commitment Required:
Each walk is two hours long, typically 10 am – noon. Sweeps can sign up for as many walks as they like.
  Application/Training:
Volunteer application forms are available online at www.childrensnatureinstitute.org/volunteer/training.html. No training required to be a sweep. Sweeps can sign up to help with a walk at www.childrensnatureinstitute.org/walks/walksignup.php?audience=volunteer.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
James Sackheim, Volunteer Coordinator
(310) 860-9484 james@childrensnatureinstitute.org



 

Program:
Office Volunteer

  Description:
Miscellaneous tasks at CNI’s office in Franklin Canyon Park in support of our environmental education programs for young children, including data entry, stuffing envelopes, filing, etc.
  When Needed:
Year-round
  Qualifications:
None (computer literacy helpful for some tasks)
  Commitment Required:
3 hours minimum
  Application/Training:
Volunteer application forms are available online at www.childrensnatureinstitute.org/volunteer/training.html; or call CNI’s Volunteer Coordinator at (310) 860-9484 to make arrangements.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
James Sackheim, Volunteer Coordinator
(310) 860-9484 james@childrensnatureinstitute.org


Internship Opportunities

  Program:
Office Intern
  Description:
Research, organizational and computer tasks at our office in Franklin Canyon Park in support of CNI’s environmental education programs for young children.
  When Needed:
Year-round; 10-30 hours a week for as long as possible.
  Qualifications:
Basic computer literacy and familiarity with software such as Microsoft Word and Excel (or willingness/ability to learn quickly).
  Application:
Contact Executive Director Lizette Castaño at 310-860-9484 or lcastano@childrensnatureinstitute.org.
  Housing Provided:
No
  Paid:
No
  Credit:
Yes


Service Fee:
Families participating in our Family Nature Walks are requested to make a $7 donation to CNI. Volunteers attending our training are asked to make a $60 donation to help defray training costs. The Outreach Discovery Program is provided free of charge to qualifying participants: schools where at least 70% of the students live at or below the federal poverty line, and whose academic performance falls in the bottom 50% of California schools.




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