young naturalists of sungei buloh nature park

linda goh senior education officer

Boarding time came for 180 young participants to begin a learning journey of our natural heritage on World Environment Day. On World Environment Day, 5 June 2001, National Parks Board together with Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Singapore launched a joint pilot project called the 'Young Naturalists Programme'. This programme was specially designed tor children to encompass the sense of adventure and achievement in the learning about our natural world.

Lady Bond, guest-of-honour, presenting the Passport to Dr Leong, during the launch of the Young Naturalist's Pilot Programme

"How long do you intend to stay here?"

"Do you have anything to declare?"

"Your passport, please."

One by one, a group of young visitors were questioned as they proceeded to get their passports stamped by high-ranking officials at the immigration counters. They were about to enter the land where mangroves and wetland wildlife thrive and begin their journey of discovery into the wonders of nature.

Led by their assigned volunteer guides, 6 groups of children with their teachers and parents explored different parts of the park to complete their mission and earn the stamps for the activities they participated in. Some of these activities required the children to complete a word puzzle, write a poem, hunt for answers, and even build a nest!

The participants stand to earn 4 specially designed cotton badges when they complete all the activities in each category, namely, Nature Ramble, Nature Activities and Write Stuff, Thematic Trail and Natural Artist, as well as Special Mission.

Feedback from the pilot project will he collected to improve the programme before its full launch in November 2001. Look out for it.