VISION offers loanable backpacks for nature exploration
Jul. 3—Schuylkill County’s VISION launched a summer backpack program in partnership with local libraries to encourage children to get outside and explore.
The Get Outdoors 2021 program, part of VISION’s annual Healthy Schuylkill Summer initiative, provides backpacks for loan through local libraries equipped with resources to use while exploring nature.
“Schuylkill County has a lot of outdoor spaces to explore,” said Mandy Fitzpatrick, VISION executive director.
VISION partners with county libraries each year to create a summer curriculum promoting healthy living.
Fitzpatrick said this year, the COVID-19 pandemic posed uncertainty for what programming at the libraries could be, so she came up with the idea of backpacks that children could rent out like books.
“Any time is a good time to get outdoors,” Fitzpatrick said. “But what the pandemic showed us is how much of a resource the outdoors can be after being stuck inside.”
Fitzpatrick said through a grant from Get Outdoors PA, she purchased 30 backpacks and enough replenishable supplies for each one to be used five times.
Each library received two backpacks containing binoculars, compasses, water bottles, magnifying glasses, bug viewers, whistles and maps of parks, trails and other local sites. The backpacks also include one of two National Audubon Society books, one on birds and one on insects and spiders.
Children can keep some items, like water bottles and whistles, while the libraries will get to keep the backpacks and other supplies to use next year.
“I plan to apply again next year for the grant, so maybe we can do something different with the backpacks or improve them,” Fitzpatrick said.
The Healthy Schuylkill Summer initiative is also supported by the Lehigh Valley Health Network and the Schuylkill Conservation District.
Fitzpatrick said the Schuylkill Conservation District provided a plethora of maps, including state parks and the Schuylkill River Trail, as well as information on bug identification.
Explore Schuylkill’s “Passport to Adventure,” which features different sites to visit throughout the county, is also included in the backpacks.
Participants can also take part in a printed and virtual scavenger hunt through GooseChase.
“I created a GooseChase hunt that compliments the backpacks, so kids can download the app and do that, as well,” Fitzpatrick said.
Participating libraries currently include: Ashland Public Library, Orwigsburg Area Free Public Library, Pottsville Free Public Library, Ringtown Area Library, Schuylkill Haven Free Public Library and Tamaqua Public Library.
Darren DeArment, Pottsville Free Public Library youth services librarian, said Friday the backpacks are currently available for loan at the library’s circulation desk. The backpacks can be on loan for two-week periods.
“It’s a wonderful program that encourages kids to get outside, go hiking and explore,” DeArment said.
DeArment said he was impressed by all the supplies provided with the backpacks that children will be able to enjoy in the outdoors.
“VISION is a great partner,” DeArment said. “We’ve worked together for years, and we’re happy to be part of this program.”
