Brownies learning how to build a shelter in City Park
The pandemic has been rough on everyone, but especially for kids. Just as they were getting a feel for how life works, everything suddenly changed. Prior to 2020, kids were already spending a massive amount of time in front of screens rather than playing outside. For a lot of kids, the pandemic has changed their limited amount of real-life playtime to even more time in front of screens. School happens online. Playdates happen online. Visits with family happen online.
Thankfully, the outdoors has been patiently waiting the whole time!
As the summer of 2020 transitioned into fall, LOOP NOLA was there with outdoor adventures for kids in New Orleans. And we were so happy to be there! When youngsters have come out for adventures this fall, they’ve been more excited than ever to spend time playing outside. It’s not surprising that they still enjoy playing, but it’s been crazy to see how much they need the in-person interaction. Kids are just as tired of all the virtual learning and Zoom sessions as their adult counterparts, and they’re ready to spend time playing outside again.
Before going any further, it’s important to note the steps that we’ve taken to ensure safe outdoor adventures for kids during the pandemic.
We follow all local, state, and national COVID-19 guidelines.
Group sizes are reduced.
Masks are required.
Hand sanitizer and hand-washing facilities are readily available.
Equipment is sanitized after each use.
Even with all of the extra steps and stipulations, kids still love spending time outside! Outdoor adventures for kids -designed specifically for their age group- are desperately needed for children in New Orleans. We already don’t have a ton of green space in the city, so it’s important to make use of what we’ve got.
Highlights from the fall of 2020
Along with everyone else this year, we had to change things up to accommodate groups during the pandemic. Since school groups can’t come on field trips like they used to, we’ve started some new adventures that we plan to continue into the future.
“He was all smiles for the rest of the day. He just doesn’t smile much these days with everything on Zoom.”
-- Parent of an adventurer
Day Camps
They were small, but they were fun. We started Camp LOOP Garou this year with activities like canoeing, fishing, and high ropes challenges. Check back this summer, ‘cause it’s coming back!
Outdoor Adventure Race
We’d planned to host the second annual Outdoor Adventure Race in the spring of 2020, but that clearly didn’t happen. We did get to host a modified version in the fall, and the kids still loved it!
Girl Scout Days
This year has launched our plan for Girl Scout days. With three Brownie groups coming out to earn their Outdoor Adventurer and Hiker badges, we’re going to make this a regular event!
Outdoor Adventures for Kids
Now that 2020 is behind us, it’s time to start planning new adventures! We’ve got a few things on the books already, so go ahead and mark your calendars and secure a spot for your kiddo.
Girl Scout Days --- starting with Brownies and building from there. We’re planning to add more days this spring for older ages as well. Each Girl Scout day focuses on activities that meet the requirements for a badge. Whether the kids join as a troop or as individuals, each scout will have a great time exploring and earning badges.
Camping 101 --- want to go camping as a family but don’t have the skillset? No problem! We’ll teach the skills needed to go on an outdoor adventure as a family. These adventure days are designed for parents and kids to come and play outside together.
Wild in the Wetlands --- education is the best when you don’t even realize that you’re learning. These activities are geared toward the Louisiana State Science Standards for 2nd-8th grade, but the kiddos just think they’re having fun. Because they are! Learning should never be boring, especially in the outdoors.
“This is the best day ever! I can’t believe I caught a frog!”
-- A very happy 3rd grader
And of course, you can always schedule your own outdoor adventure for kids in the New Orleans area. We happily accept school groups, family groups, and homeschool pods for all sorts of outdoor activities. Contact us today for more info.
Enjoy the outdoors this year!
