Res 2010-016 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Proposal to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Community Outdoor Outreach Program from the City of San Marcos Program Narrative General Information Project Sponsor: City of San Marcos, Parks and Recreation Department Project Name: Outdoor Environmental Education Access Initiative Application Prepared By: Richard Salmon, Grants Administrator City of San Marcos Project Description 1. Overview The City of San Marcos requests a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Community Outdoor Outreach Program (TPWD/CO-OP) grant to support the Outdoor Environmental Education Access Initiative, a special project of the San Marcos Nature Center that is designed to engage at-risk San Marcos youth (ages 5-17) in environmental education, outdoor recreation and community service. CO-OP grant funds will underwrite a series of 4 weeklong summer camps and 5 Saturday field trips during the school year (10:00 a. m. - 5:30 p.m.) which will provide free interactive outdoor environmental learning, community service and recreational opportunities for economically disadvantaged and at-risk youth in San Marcos. The San Marcos Nature Center developed and will carry out the project in partnership with TPWD, San Marcos CISD, Youth Services Bureau, Boys and Girls Club of San Marcos and other community-based organizations. 2. Goals and Objectives The goal of the Outdoor Environmental Education Access Initiative is to promote and engage at- risk San Marcos youth in environmental education, outdoor recreation and community service. Project objectives are to: 1) increase access and participation in outdoor environmental education and recreation by youth who would not ordinarily do so due to cost, transportation and other barriers; 2) raise awareness of/attendance at local and area parks and natural attractions by at-risk youth and their families; 3) increase knowledge of and interest in the continued exploration and study of life sciences and the environment by project participants, and; 4) expand opportunities for youth development, mentoring, and hands on learning at the San Marcos Nature Center. 3. Evaluation Plan San Marcos Nature Center staff will monitor and evaluate project success using a variety of tools and reporting mechanisms. Registrant data will be input into a computer database to maintain and track summer camp and Saturday field trip participant attendance levels and demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, free/reduced lunch eligible, special education, etc.). Hard copies of registration forms will also be maintained. Volunteer applications and activity reporting forms will be used to track volunteer participation levels, types of activities performed and amount of time contributed. Pre- and post-tests and face-to-face surveys will be administered to assess and measure changes in awareness, knowledge, interest levels, leadership skills development, self-esteem, etc. in youth. Texas Parks & wildlife Department Rev Apri109 TRPA - Community Outdoor Outreach Program Paae 5