Take a Kid Outdoors
Take a Kid Outdoors was founded in 2006 to provide immersive outdoor experiences to children and people of all ages. The organization is based out of Iowa. Commonly referred to as TAKO, it was founded by Richard E. "Dick" Jensen of West Union, Iowa. Dick Jensen is passionate about all things within nature. He brought together a group of people who shared his concerns about children's connection with the natural world. The group wanted to promote unstructured enjoyment of nature and the outdoors.
Each month Take a Kid Outdoors offers at least one free event to help kids to engage in outdoor fun. Some of their activities have included: ice fishing, archery, sledding, panning for gold, planting corn, and creating art in the park. With any of these activities, it is important to have adults involved as well. TAKO wants adults to enjoy time outdoors as well as to feel more confident in doing things outdoors with their children. Adults are growing their abilities by engaging in these activities with TAKO. In 2009 TAKO was awarded the Governor's Volunteer Award. The Iowa DNR has also chosen this magnificent organization to lead the state's outdoor outreach efforts.
TAKO's mission is to immerse participants in enjoyable activities to develop an attitude of joy, wonder, love, and respect for our natural world. Take a Kid Outdoors schedules outdoor events on a monthly basis with an emphasis on free-play and exploration.
Take a Kid Outdoors' Work
The following are a few examples of the activities that children and adults can partake in with TAKO. Their organization is dedicated to providing immersive outdoor experiences to children and people of all ages.
Antler Shed Hunt
In this activity children and their parents will explore all that early spring has to offer while participating in a shed and a scavenger hunt. Families will search to see if the bucks have been generous with their antlers. Participants will get to enjoy a hike in the woods and to potentially see birds, bugs, and flowers!
Like rocks? Like fossils? If so, this is the TAKO event for you! Take a Kid Outdoors teamed up with River Products and Cedar Valley Rocks and Minerals Society to have their Annual Rockin' Rocks and Fossils Event! Participants will get to see the rock crusher in action. They'll also have the opportunity to collect rocks and fossils. Experts will be there to assist with identification. Participants can bring rocks, minerals, or fossils that they've always wanted to identify.
Rockin Rock Fest
Ice Fishing
With the winter season in full force, that means it's time to hit the ice, "Beat the Bitter", and search for fish! TAKO will join North Liberty's Beat the Bitter for their annual ice fishing event. Participants will learn the basics of ice fishing, safety, equipment needs, techniques, and fish identification.
Join us in supporting Take a Kid Outdoors
75% of this month's donations will go towards this month's partner
This month and every month, Wild Boyz Photography will be partnering with one nonprofit. 75% of any donations that we receive during the month will go to the nonprofit. Help TAKO to provide high quality environmental education and programming for kids.