Early in October, Walla Walla University and Walla Walla Valley Academy hosted Upper Columbia Conference Adventurer events for children ages 4–9 across the conference. The Award activities were designed to help Adventurers and their families grow in Christian community, find common areas of interest to explore, make new friendships, and become acquainted with resources for their futures.
The events of the day began with a worship service, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Adventurer Pledge and Law. Then children and families began to rotate through activities at WWU’s Roger’s field, Winter Educational Complex pool, Kretschmar Hall, Chan Shun Pavilion, and at WWVA’s pond habitat area, horticulture classroom, and biology classrooms.
At the WEC, water safety instructors Rachelle Lebold and Chrystal Flerchinger taught participants how to use life jackets correctly, how to help others in the case of an emergency, and other safety information. Pool Safety Awards, which mirrored Red Cross swimming level requirements, were received by the children based on the level of skill they demonstrated.
Engineering department faculty taught the Adventurers about flight, which included an opportunity to earn the Build and Fly Award. “The simplest things like running with a balloon dragging behind them garnered the most squawks and giggles,” said Bryce Cole, WWU engineering professor, who assisted with the activities.
At WWVA, the Adventurers had the opportunity to win the Habitat Award, after observing a natural habitat including ducks, wildlife footprints, birds, and a pond. Bob Nobuhara, WWVA biological sciences teacher, showed the Adventurers how to examine pond water under a microscope in the lab. They also learned to plant garlic in a garden and picked ripe tomatoes to eat.
A wide variety of projects allowed each Adventurer to engage in an area they found interesting. Event coordinators saw participants develop their motor skills, learn to navigate large group settings, and discover potential studies and careers. “The major achievement was participating in organized activities with friends while learning more about technology and God's creation,” Cole said.
After the day’s activities, both parents and children expressed excitement to gather together again. The UCC will be holding Family Fun Day in the spring, before holding Awards Day again next fall. Interested families are encouraged to ask about the Adventurer Club at their local church or contact Conference Head Coordinator Anita Lebold at atlebold@charter.net.
Posted Oct. 31, 2022
