1. MEDIA ADVISORY
For June 8, 2015
Contact: Zeina Barakat FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Telephone: (817) 903-4567
Email: zeina.barakat@mavs.uta.edu
Nature Center Announces Summer Adventure Camp Program
WHO: Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, a Fort Worth municipal park which will host
students in Kindergarten through sixth grades.
WHAT: The Nature Center will provide a sneak peak of its one-day summer camp
adventures that are scheduled June 8 – July.
The camps provide activities for kids to explore the forests, prairies and wetlands
encompassed in the 3,600-acre park. Campers attending the first day of Summer Natural
History Adventures will experience animal encounters, nature hikes, educational crafts
and more.
WHEN: Monday, June 8
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Media photo opportunity at 8:30 a.m.)
WHERE: 9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth, TX 76135
Meet at Hardwicke Interpretive Center
Photo Opportunities
 Kids interacting with the Nature Center’s Wild Ambassadors.
 Staff naturalists providing a variety of creative and educational activities
Interview Opportunities
 Campers and parents.
 Staff naturalists conducting the day camps.
 Students who are attending camp.
 Laura Wood, executive director of Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center &
Refuge.

2. FACTSHEET
About Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge
 The Nature Center & Refuge was founded in 1964 on city-owned land.
 At more than 3,600-acres, it is one of the largest nature centers in the United
States, with more than 20 miles of hiking trails providing access to forests and
prairies.
 The Nature Center’s mission is to share the love of nature with children and the
public.
 A variety of affordable programs are offered for families, birders, hikers and other
outdoor enthusiasts every month of the year.
About Friends of the Nature Center
 The Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge is a nonprofit that was
established in 1974.
 Donations and tax-deductible memberships by the Friends of the Nature Center
allow the Nature Center to provide programs and services.
 The organizations mission is to conserve, preserve, and protect the Fort Worth
Nature Center & Refuge.
About the Event
 Six-week summer program, providing hands on activities for outdoor
enthusiasts.
 Attendees learn about wild animals native to Texas and explore a variety of
habitats with a staff naturalist.
 Campers enjoy traditional camp experiences such as, kite building, bandana
games, skipping rocks across the river and tossing horseshoes.
Staffing and Volunteerism
 According to the 2014 Parks and Recreation National Database Report, staff filled
more full-time positions in 2013 than in 2010 – 2012.
 Part-time employees increased dramatically since 2011.
 Reports show that departments are hiring, but they are hiring more part-timers
than full-timers.
 Given that the Fiends of the Nature Center is a group of volunteers, volunteerism
remained steady the past two years.

3. Teaching kids about nature
According to naeyc.org, researchers say the lack of outdoor activities are due to
problems such as childhood obesity, children’s dislike and fear of the outdoors. Here are
some ways to educate kids about nature and to get them get outdoors:
 Visit nature centers so see different animals and plants.
 Sign up your kids in summer programs where they can enjoy activities and
socialize while being outdoors.
 Plant treats to eat such as an apple tree.
 Gather treasures such as sticks, flowers and feathers.
 Play “hide and seek” outdoors.
 Be creative by handing them a scratch book to paint different trees and flowers
outside.