From September 13 to October 31, the Leslie Science and Nature Center (LSNC) will be sponsoring the second annual “Get Out Challenge”. Participants in the Challenge are required to complete 10 out of 17 possible activities involving outdoor exploration and stewardship. Repeating participants can earn a “rocker” patch - a small, curved patch that can be attached to the outside of the original patch. The cost to participate in the challenge is free and many activities can be completed at home or local parks.

Inspired by the “Take a Child Outside Week”, an initiative created by the North Carolina Museum of Sciences, the “Get Out Challenge” is a collaboration between the LSNC, the National Wildlife Federation - Great Lakes (NWF), and the City of Ann Arbor’s Natural Area Preservation Department (NAP).

Activities to complete include: plant hikes and park stewardship workdays offered by NAP, gardening for wildlife and “Greenhour” activities offered by the NWF, canoeing on the Huron River, public programs at the LSNC, and other activities that can be done at home or individually at a park including: scavenger hunts, hiking, and crafts. Worksheets for these additional activities can be found on the LSNC website.

The LSNC offers many programs for participants to complete their challenge requirements such as the annual “Bugfest”, and “Children of the Earth” concert featuring the Michigan, environmental musician, Joe Reilly. Each LSNC program is $5 per person. However, as one of their benefits, “Members of the LSNC” can participate for free in the "Get Out Challenge" Kick-off Event on Sunday, September 13 from 1-3pm.

To get started on the “Get Out Challenge” download a copy of the challenge checklist and activities. Attendance at the “Get Out Challenge” Kick-off is not mandatory, but is a great way to find out more about the challenge and requirements.

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Stefan Szumko is a full-time homedaddy, a part-time educator at LSNC, and was once a middle school science teacher. He can be reached at slugwhisperer@gmail.com.