RIVERDAYS event offers fun for Midland kids

-By Meredith Morgan

Young explorers can find adventure in their own hometown on July 18, when Kid's Day at RIVERDAYS brings educational fun to Chippewassee Park.

Youngsters can take their pick of more than 20 activities, including wildlife exploration, a climbing wall, obstacle course, games, crafts and more. Events will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participation is free, thanks to a collaboration between the Midland Area Community Foundation and numerous local groups.

The Midland Area Community Foundation organizes RIVERDAYS and collaborates with many local nonprofits to present the activities for the community. The entire event is presented by volunteers.

Volunteers from the Chippewa Nature Center will host a nature exploration station. A variety of authentic specimens, including furs and bird mounts, will help visitors learn about Michigan wildlife. Kids can also examine "leaf litter" from the forest floor, and pretend to reel in the fish of the Great Lakes.

Cathy Devendorf, the Center's director of volunteers and outreach, said the activities provide a fun way for children and adults to learn about the outdoors. She hopes the event will help children understand the importance of safeguarding nature.

"These experiences are so critical, because they allow children to gain exposure to nature they might not normally get," she said. "For example, this is an opportunity to help them learn about the animals that use rivers, and realize the importance of keeping waste water clean."

The ROCK Youth Center is scheduled to bring a 24-foot mobile climbing wall to Kid's Day. Fully-trained staff members will be there to assist climbers of all ages. The wall, equipped with three difficulty levels and an auto-belay harness system, can accommodate climbers from 40 to 250 pounds. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes.

Kathryn Getzinger, program manager at The ROCK, said the wall offers an exciting challenge.

"Sometimes we have kids and adults who are not quite sure about climbing, but they still get up there and do it. When they come down, they're so positive."

According to Getzinger, Kid's Day provides an important opportunity for families to have fun together.

"Any event where there are supervised, safe, positive activities for children is really what we need in the community," she said. "Kid's Day provides people with the opportunity to do activities as a family. That time is so important."

Devendorf agreed, saying that Kid's Day provides a much-needed outlet for children to engage in safe recreation.

Last updated on June 29, 2009 2:30pm.