Dunes Learning Center invites the public to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day at their national lakeshore campus on Saturday, June 13.
The annual nationwide event aims to connect people with the great outdoors. As one of three Indiana sites participating in the national celebration, Dunes Learning Center promises fun and adventure for all ages.
Guests can explore the center’s grounds and sample a variety of outdoor activities. Activities include Trek Bike Store test rides, Northwest Indiana Paddling Association kayak safety lessons, National Park Service guided hikes, Save the Dunes river exploration and live animal encounters with Animalia, an education outreach program. Besides exploration activities, live music, games, art activities and a picnic lunch will be featured.
“This event is a great way for families to share a day outdoors and sample activities from Dunes Learning Center’s summer camp and school year programs” said executive director, Geof Benson. “I hope that campers, both new and old, will take this opportunity to share this special place with friends and family.”
Situated on 63 acres of rolling woodland along the Little Calumet River, Dunes Learning Center’s modern cabins and lodge are located on the site of the former Good Fellow Youth Camp.
Visitors are requested to bring donated items to support its education programs. The center is looking for binoculars, snow pants (teen sizes), children and teen books or games, new ponchos and raincoats, new reusable water bottles and clean plastic caps and lids for the Pines Village Retirement Communities recycle bench project.
Event activities are made possible by ArcelorMittal, Charles M Chuman MD, Duneland YMCA, Family Express, Friends of Indiana Dunes, Lakeshore Public Media, Lamar Advertising Company, NIPSCO, North Shore Health Centers and The German Band, Inc.
Funding for this program was provided in part by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Lake Michigan Coastal Program. Arts activities made possible, in part, with support from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Event admission is free. All ages welcome. Advance registration is required. For more information and to register, visit DunesLearningCenter.org.