Bonebrake Center of Nature and History

The third year of this wonderful program for youth is funded for 2011 through a grant from the L-A-D Foundation.  The program is being administered through the Bonebrake Center of Nature and History.  Jamin Bray, the program coordinator and member of the Bonebrake Center Board of Trustees, is a professional resource interpreter who owns and operates Shortleaf Interpretive Services.

The vision of the OK program is to connect kids in grade levels K-8 (notice it now includes older children!) with the nature and history of the Ozarks through a variety of interactive hands-on learning experiences.  Once connected to their heritage, children are more inclined to want to protect the resources throughout their lives. Nature-related activities are conducted outdoors as much as possible to maximize quality real-life nature experiences. Likewise, history programs emphasize authentic historic places and/or artifacts. Participants are given the opportunity to fulfill requirements for a program award and decorative patch.

Activities include visits to area schools, outdoor learning experiences, and regular monthly youth learning days at the Bonebrake Center.  Kids with school groups, family groups, home-school groups, community groups, etc., can come to the Bonebrake Center for scheduled programs and fulfill requirements for the patch.  Jamin will present informational and promotional programs to any organization interested in learning about program.

Any group or individual interested in the OK Connections program may leave a message at 573-729-3400, email the Bonebrake Center (bonebrakecenter@embarqmail.com), or drop a line to 601 North Hickory, Salem, MO  65560.  Jamin will contact you and answer your questions or set you up with a program!