Shetek Lutheran Ministries (SLM) recently received a $4,760 No Child Left Inside Grant through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Through their environmental education program, Shetek Environmental Learning Center (SELC), SLM will be able to develop and provide new winter outdoor environmental and ecological programs, providing at-risk youth with the opportunity to explore the outdoors. SLM Director of Environmental Education Katie Chapman elaborates:
“Over time we have seen an increase in usage of our existing outdoor recreation equipment such as snowshoes, cross-country skis, and naturalist tools. More schools and organizations are trying to prioritize outdoor education for increased health and wellness benefits, but due to the limited availability of our equipment, we have had challenges in meeting the needs of our area’s growing demand,” Katie stated. “With this grant, we will be purchasing snowshoes and binoculars, as well as providing new outdoor and experiential education opportunities for local schools.” Katie praised the new initiative as exciting and says of the grant, “We are ready and grateful to build on the purpose of this grant program, which is to serve youth with limited opportunities, who don’t typically have the resources to access outdoor activities.”
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is excited to provide the continuation of the No Child Left Inside Grant Program. Recent and emerging research indicates that students are increasingly disconnected from nature. Getting more people into the outdoors is crucial for the future stewardship of Minnesota’s natural resources. The program aims to support and increase efforts to expand programming that connects youth to the outdoors. Funded by the 2019 Minnesota Legislature with additional funding from the 2021 legisla tive session, these grants are provided for: “outdoor environmental, ecological, and other natural-resource-based education and recreation programs serving youth.”
Shetek Lutheran Ministries’ Environmental Learning Center (SELC) is proud to offer educational programs and activities in all seasons. Curriculum is centered in locally-based teaching methods and resources; lessons are adapted for all grade levels and designed to comple ment classroom curriculum. SELC provides a total living and learning experience by creating enthusiasm for hands on learning, providing kinesthetic activities, enhancing education in multiple subject areas, building classroom relationships, and encouraging personal growth and discovery with each program.
For more information, contact Katie Chapman, Director of Environmental Education, at 507-763-3567 or katie@shetek.org
