SANDWICH – The Sandwich Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Sandwich Partnership for Families, is announcing a free family outdoor event coming to town this spring.
The concept is a simple, but important. “Exploring the great outdoors, right outside your back door!” is designed to excite, encourage & familiarize local families with outdoor recreation, while also acquainting them with the skills & knowledge necessary to confidently enjoy the “Great Outdoors”.
Families are encouraged to come & explore the great outdoors.
Representatives from the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Appalachian Mountain Club, Boy Scouts of America Troop 47, Sandwich Public Library, US Army Corp, Sandwich Bikeways & Pedestrian Committee, Sandwich Police Department, Sandwich Fire & Rescue Department, Trout’s Unlimited, Sandwich Natural Resources Department, Cape Cod Learning Tours, Ride Away Kayak, LL Bean, Sea Sports Cyclery, Sandwich Partnership for Families, Sandwich Recreation Department, and more will be on hand.
You can have a chance to learn how to prepare for a first family hike with the Appalachian Mountain Club, or learn the basics in setting up a tent with the Boy Scouts Troop 47. Follow the Sandwich Partnership for Families story walk from the parking lot to the cabins at Oak Crest Cove where LL Bean will demonstrate casting a fly fishing rod (on land) and how to make a para cord bracelets.
The Sandwich Department of Natural Resources will be on hand to teach compass reading and provide information on Sandwich’s conservation properties including Ryder, Cook Farm, Boyden Farm, Talbot’s Point, Murkwood and Maple Swamp.
Department staff will also demonstrate the use of new app technology that assists in accessing conservation land. Stu Parsons from the Sandwich Public Library will discuss how to observe and identify local wildlife while sharing some favorite campfire stories.
The Sandwich Fire Department will be exhibiting the basics of outdoor fire safety & 1st aid skills. The Massachusetts Environmental Police along with the Cape Cod Canal- US Army Corp will have you sea worthy with a brush up on your water safety, fishing and boating laws while gaining knowledge through a touch table, and playing a fishing game. Ride Away Kayak will have participants climbing on a fat tire bike or into a kayak.
While Sea Sports Cyclery will allow you test drive a mountain bike. The Sandwich Bikeways & Pedestrian Committee will have bike rodeo and helmet information. Bring your bike for a complimentary bike safety check- up by Bernie Meggison of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Mary Beers and Gil Newton from Cape Cod Learning Tours will be hosting a
Freshwater Critter Catch complete with dip nets, seine nets and buckets, finding critters and talking about their natural history. You will take a look into the “Unseen World” of pond life when you take a peek under the microscope.
The Sandwich Recreation Department will have you indulging in a s’more over a campfire. You certainly do not want to miss the Coast Guards SAR rescue demo at 3:30 p.m. on Peter’s Pond.
The Free Family Outdoor Adventure Day will be held on Saturday, April 6, from 1:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m. A rain date has been set for Sunday, April 7.
The event will take place at Oak Crest Cove upper cabins at the Sandwich Recreation Department, located at 34 Quaker Meetinghouse Rd, Forestdale.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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