SOCKid’s Education Hike With 11th Graders From Salt Lake Center For Science Education
During the morning on September 11th, Save Our Canyons had the joy of guiding a service class from Salt Lake Center for Science Education through a few activities to learn the principles of Leave No Trace and how to be good stewards of our wild spaces. Then we took the group up to Donut Falls to help connect the dots of the lessons learned in the morning. As part of our SOCKids outdoor education program, this outing provided students with a guided opportunity to connect with the Wasatch, learn trail etiquette, and deepen their understanding of local ecology and stewardship.
7 Principles Of Leave No Trace
The morning began with a nice ice breaker and a group stretch before we kicked off our lesson and hike. Each of us goes around in a circle, saying our names and leading a stretch of our choice. Shortly after we dived into a discussion of the principles of leave no trace. Our intern, Cedar Sorrells, came up with a great group activity to engage the students by dividing the class into 7 groups and having each group come up with a skit to explain the principle, followed by a short discussion to help better understand why we follow them.
After the activity, we took a 10-minute break to pack some snacks and prepare for our hike. During the hike, Save Our Canyons staff introduced students to the basics of responsible recreation, pointing out key elements of trail etiquette like stepping aside for uphill hikers, staying on marked paths, and packing out what you pack in. Along the way, we paused to observe native plants, listen for birdsong, and reflect on how these places serve as both habitat and classroom.
Our other intern, Charlotte Teuscher came up with a Wasatch Bingo with a variety of species that we might spot along the hike and the first three students to fill out the card got a limited edition beanie.
Each student received a custom SOCkids goodie packet filled with tools for discovery and creativity:
- A pocket-sized booklet featuring beginner-friendly hikes in the Wasatch
- An illustrated field guide to native plants and wildlife
- A nature mindfulness page with reflective questions for the trail
- A locally designed coloring postcard featuring Wasatch art
- A Leave No Trace infographic bookmark outlining the 7 principles
- And, of course, a Save Our Canyons sticker to take home
Connecting Kids with the Canyons
The SOCkids program is rooted in the belief that fostering a love for the Wasatch starts with early, positive experiences in nature. By combining fun, hands-on activities with environmental education, we aim to inspire the next generation of stewards.
We’re grateful to the teachers and parents at Salt Lake Center for Science Education for trusting us with their students and to the kids for their curiosity, questions, and laughter on the trail.
If your school is interested in an education hike or classroom visit, reach out to learn more about bringing SOCkids to your community.
