Educational Programming
Educational programming at Ballard Park was first introduced in 2002 when forty preteens participating in the City of Newport's Extreme Teen Program visited the park in four two-hour sessions. Programming has steadily been growing. Summer educational programs were expanded in 2003 to include students from two other nonprofit organizations -- Island Arts and the Salvation Army Summer Camp. Over one hundred area children visited the park to participate in outdoor educational programs that were provided to the nonprofits free of charge.
The Friends of Ballard Park partnered with two organizations during the months of July and August 2004 to provide outdoor educational programming to children ranging in age from six to fourteen. Ninety three children visited Ballard Park in a 'field trip-style' manner in sessions which complemented their organization's program.
For more information about
educational programs call Colleen McGrath at 846.7680.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carol C. Ballard, President
Misi Narcizo, Vice President
Jill Spear, Treasurer
Colleen McGrath, Secretary
Frank Amaral
Linda Lee Butler
Meg Edenbach
Mary Ellen Grosvenor
Brian Kuchar
Photography in Nature
A photography class for middle school aged children set two afternoons in Ballard Park and three afternoons at Island Arts Center darkroom. Students learned the basic of black & white photography, the mechanics of using a 35 mm camera and darkroom technique by photographing the natural environment and exploring Ballard Park. Students spent a portion of their time on lessons designed to provide them with an intimate understanding of the ecosystem and provide inspiration and subject matter for their photographic projects.
our
educational program is to
provide a framework for
long term
positive relationships
with middle
school
students.
In the
simplest of
terms we want
children’s
first
introduction
to the park
to be through
one of our
programs, not
“there’s a
keg party in
the park
Friday night,
are you going?”
Salvation Army Summer Camp
Children enrolled in the Salvation Army’s Summer Camp program
participated in a weeklong environmental camp set in Ballard Park the week of August 8th at no cost to them. In the mornings children entering the 1st through 3rd grades will enjoy scavenger hunts, lessons on trees using field guides and leaf rubbings, catching insects, dissecting owl pellets and hands on demonstrations. Afternoon sessions were geared towards older children. Lessons were student centered and tailored to meet various learning styles, ages and levels of intelligence. Some students attended for just one week while others attended for the entire month.
Newport Parks & Recreation's
Teen Extreme Program
For the fourth year, participants in the City of Newport’s Extreme Teen Program visited the park for four two-hour sessions. Forty kids entering grades 6 through 8 participate each summer in the City Of Newport’s Teen Extreme program which is a Summer Feeding program site. Participation is open to the entire community regardless of ability to pay. Approximately 40% of the participants receive scholarships to attend. Lessons complimenting the activities included science experiments and art projects.
