The inaugural season of the Nature Made Kids Camp has drawn to a close. Nature Made is a collaboration between Plumas Rural Services and Greenville-based Wild Plumas, born of a joint desire to provide a nature-based program for youth in Indian Valley that promotes fun, learning, and adventure.
The North Valley Community Foundation, the Dixie Fire Collaborative, and the Almanor Community Foundation came together to jointly fund this opportunity to create a safe and engaging space for children living through the rebuilding of their community after the Dixie Fire.
Nature Made hosted its outdoor camp monthly from May through September at the Wild Plumas site on Wolf Creek Road in Greenville. Kids participated in multiple activity stations throughout each full-day program, including a 24-foot mobile climbing rock wall with Paralympian Mark Wellman, gold panning,
rock painting, Maidu traditional knowledge, guided mediation, zip line and tree house, plant walk,
Maidu forest walk, basic wilderness first aid, and metal art. Stations varied from month to month
depending on the availability of individuals in the community who could host them. Snacks and
lunches were provided for youth participants by Riley’s Jerky and Crushabowl.
Across all five events held in 2023, Nature Made hosted 183 children total with a combined attendance of 248 — some children attended one event, and others were able to attend multiple times. Organizers report that each day was full of laughter, exploration, and community.
PRS and Wild Plumas representatives said they are thrilled with the success of the program in 2023 and are already looking forward to its return in May 2024. More information about Nature Made can be found on PRS’s website at https://www.plumasruralservices.org/nature-made. More information about Wild Plumas can be found at https://www.wildplumas.com.
Information submitted by Plumas Rural Services
