Calling All Patrollers!

Pointing eyes to creation has long been the inspiration for many of the programs and activities at Beacon. As we consider how to build a knowledge of God into campers through experiences with His creation, we have started developing a new module program called Beacon Nature Patrol.

If this sounds familiar, it may be because you saw a Beacon Nature Patrol workbook featured as one of our summer projects during Beacon Unlimited 2020. [Editor’s Note: we’ve put those books back up for sale and you can find them here if you want to complete one now!] This workbook contains 80 pages’ worth of photos, diagrams, information and activities around different nature topics. Each of the 8 chapters focuses on a different skill, experience or perspective that is important for making sure any nature patroller is well-equipped:

Skills: Observation, identification and interpretation

Experiences: “Super Tracker”, “Dawn Treader” and “Night Owl”

Perspectives: Nature use and nature care

We are excited about these eight learning tracks because they are going to form the basis of an ever-growing Beacon Nature Patrol program. Every year, it is our plan to create more modules for each category so that campers have new ways to expand their knowledge as they come year after year. For example, a camper who decides to complete an Observation module might choose the insect module one year, and the star module within the same track the next year. Or they may decide to do a different track such as Super Tracker instead.

Sometimes modules may be presented in the form of an activity rotation or an evening program to give the whole session’s worth of campers the chance to gain the same knowledge and try the same activities. Other times, the modules will be self-directed and available for campers to try during their free time. Campers who are very interested in nature may find it fun to complete multiple modules during their stay at camp.

Completion of modules will be tracked and awarded to recognize the campers’ effort and to celebrate their growing knowledge.

This summer, we will continue to sell the Beacon Nature Patrol workbook for use at home or at camp. We will also be developing onsite modules to be presented in whatever capacity we are able to run them this summer.

We are so excited to pass on these opportunities to take a closer look at our Creator’s handiwork!