GPS Tracking Technology Helps Children Connect with Nature

GPS tracking technology brings new worlds of discovery opportunity for children today. It allows children, who are curious by nature, the opportunity to get a little fresh air and exercise without even realizing they’re exploring nature—all the while learning in the process.

Thanks to the assistance of technology, it isn’t even necessary for them to wait on parents to have the free time to go with them. More communities are offering GPS tracking for specific trails so that kids are free to explore the world of nature, which has been a significant rite of childhood for centuries.

One lucky nature center now has the opportunity to help young adults connect and engage with nature, while developing their observation, trekking, and problem solving skills.

A new grant, the Barbara Beetow State Grant, provided by the Alpha Delta Kappa Society of Caledonia, Wisconsin, is going to the River Bend Nature Center. The nature center has decided to use the grant money in a manner that will promote the engagement of children and nature.

With the grant money, the center intends to purchase GPS tracking devices and curriculum to help young visitors become more engaged in the process of exploring nature. These units go far beyond identifying flora and fauna. It essentially takes them on a real world treasure hunt where participants find a “cache” of treasure (geocaching) to reward their efforts.

The observation and exploration of nature are important components of the GPS curriculum River Bend will be employing. But the goal of this new program is to also help children develop problem solving skills, while exploring the 80 acres River Bend Nature Center has to offer.

“We are extremely grateful for the support and generosity of Alpha Delta Kappa,” said River Bend Executive Director, Jeanne Dernehl. She went on to say, “The grant will help the children of Racine County use technology to connect to nature and engage them in a way that requires creativity and problem solving, while having a good time.”

This philosophy goes hand in hand with the philosophy of Alpha Delta Kappa members. The organization is an honorary organization whose members are female educators with a strong commitment to excellence in education, world understanding and altruism.

“Many of the members of the local Tau Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa have memories of taking our students to a variety of educational programs at River Bend, and it is clear that River Bend is making a strong comeback,” said Terri Klaus, former president of the Tau Chapter

It has become increasingly difficult, in the digital age, to engage children in the exploration of nature. GPS tracking technology makes it possible to combine the technology of the digital age with the bounty of nature to create a memorable and engaging experience for children.

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