Simpson University Students Teach First-Graders How to ‘Leave No Trace’
For Immediate Release
11.13.2014
REDDING, Calif. - Sharing principles such as “trash your trash” and “respect wildlife,” Simpson University students introduced Rother Elementary first-graders to what it means to ‘Leave No Trace’ as part of a class assignment.
Eight students in the Outdoor Leadership program at Simpson created and conducted a wilderness ethics awareness workshop in late October for Rother teacher Marissa Fuller’s class of 26 students. Fuller earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies and a teaching credential from Simpson University.
“The assignment offered students the opportunity to teach others about Leave No Trace, and thus perform an ethical act on behalf of wild spaces,” said Dr. Paul Stonehouse, associate professor of Outdoor Leadership.
Dr. Stonehouse teaches a Leave No Trace class as part of the Outdoor Leadership program’s Immersion Semester. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics “teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly” by minimizing unnecessary impacts to natural environments, according to its website.
During the class, students become Leave No Trace trainers, Dr. Stonehouse said. One of their assignments is to conduct an awareness workshop. Through an Outdoor Leadership student contact, Fuller offered her first-grade class to receive training.
“The students loved it,” Fuller said. “We visited a pumpkin patch later, and as we were walking around, they couldn’t stop talking about ‘not leaving any trace behind’.”
Using skits, props, activities, games and a song, the Simpson students demonstrated Leave No Trace’s seven principles for kids: know before you go; choose the right path; trash your trash; leave what you find; be careful with fire; respect wildlife; and be kind to other visitors.
“The presentation was very informational,” Fuller said.
The Simpson University students who participated were Rich Bailey, Rhoda Boettcher, Aixa Correa, Daniel Davenport, Annalisa Graham, Edward Min, Alyssa Muro and Shane Wachlin.
Simpson University’s Outdoor Leadership program is in its eighth year. Graduates of the program are working for the YMCA, Redding Recreation, Sonoma Canopy Tours, Alliance Redwoods Camp and Conference Center, Mount Hermon Christian Camps, The Boy Scouts of America, North Greenville University (as an Outdoor Leadership Immersion Semester instructor), Minnesota State University at Mankato (Challenge Course graduate assistant), Montgomery Creek Group Home (wilderness instructors), The Santa Barbara Adventure Company, and Eastern Mountain Sports (assistant manager), among other locations.
Learn more about the Outdoor Leadership program at simpsonu.edu/outdoorleadership.
Photo courtesy Paul Stonehouse. Simpson University Outdoor Leadership student Annalisa Graham hands out snacks from a bear-proof container to Rother Elementary first-graders, while Simpson student Daniel Davenport helps conduct Leave No Trace training.
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Simpson University, established in 1921, is celebrating its 25th year in Redding, Calif. In October 2014, the university dedicated its new Science & Nursing Building. Simpson is a Christian university offering undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential programs. Academic programs include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults. Simpson is expanding its online course offerings, including degrees in psychology and organizational leadership. For information about the university, or to arrange a campus visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.
Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
530-226-4737
