Inland Empire Kids Outdoors (IEKO), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering children's connection to nature, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its flagship program, River Camp. Over the past decade, IEKO has successfully introduced hundreds of children in the Riverside region to the natural wonders of the Santa Ana River through educational and engaging outdoor activities. The milestone reflects the organization’s commitment to outdoor education, with a focus on creating opportunities for children to explore and learn about the environment.
A Decade of Connection and Community
Founded on the principle of providing nature-based education, Inland Empire Kids Outdoors has grown into a prominent nonprofit serving the Inland Empire region. Its summer camp offerings, including the much-loved River Camp, have been instrumental in connecting children aged 5 to 13 with the natural world through hands-on learning experiences.
River Camp, which concluded its 10th year this summer, is more than just an outdoor adventure for young participants. It is a program that allows children to learn about the flora and fauna of the Santa Ana River region through activities like hiking, wildlife observation, and water exploration. From dissecting small creatures under microscopes to interacting with live animals, campers gain a comprehensive understanding of their local ecosystem.
"The 10-year anniversary of River Camp is not just a celebration for us, but for the entire community that makes it possible," commented IEKO Executive Director Megan Brousseau. "It takes a village to do something as special as River Camp. We are grateful to our partners who help us provide a camp that instills pride and a love for the river in Riverside’s children. Nearly half of the children who attended this year did so on scholarships, thanks to the generous support of local partners."
Partnerships That Drive Success
The success of River Camp is due in large part to the numerous partnerships Inland Empire Kids Outdoors has cultivated over the years. The City of Riverside hosts the camp, providing a safe and clean space for the children to explore. Local organizations like the Riverside Corona Resource Conservation District and Rivers and Lands Conservancy contribute presenters and activities that enrich the children’s experience. Additionally, financial support from Riverside County Flood Control and Conservation District, Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water, and Power of 2 Realty has enabled many underserved children to attend the camp free of charge.
Brousseau emphasized the importance of these partnerships, noting that “Because of the support of the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, along with the Riverside Police Department, we had a clean and safe park to call home. We are so proud of our community!”
Parent and Participant Praise
Parents, too, are quick to praise the unique learning opportunities that River Camp offers. One parent shared, “My son loves River Camp, and we love what it teaches him. This is a beautiful program run by beautiful people.”
Looking to the Future
As Inland Empire Kids Outdoors moves forward, the nonprofit aims to continue its mission of ensuring that all children in the Inland Empire have access to nature and the outdoors, regardless of their background. Guided by a grassroots network of over 2,000 families, IEKO envisions a future where outdoor education is an integral part of every child’s upbringing.
With programs like River Camp, nature preschools, and homeschool enrichment classes, Inland Empire Kids Outdoors is dedicated to helping children thrive through access to healthy environments. "We invite families to join us in our upcoming outings, enroll in classes, and explore ways to get unplugged and enjoy nature," added Brousseau.
For more information about Inland Empire Kids Outdoors and its programs, visit www.iekidsoutdoors.org or follow them on Facebook.
Media Contact
Company Name: Inland Empire Kids Outdoors
Contact Person: Megan Brousseau
Email:Send Email
Phone: 951-536-9204
Country: United States
Website: https://www.iekidsoutdoors.org
