Art and nature classes scheduled for children at Mission Trails Regional Park

By Jay Wilson

Summer is here and the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation is set to schedule two exciting new children’s programs: “Nature Tales and Trails” with Cindy Christ, whose classes to inspire and delight children are scheduled to begin on June 23, and “Art Smarts” with BetteAnn Pierce, which begins on July 11, with classes following on July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 29.

For more than a decade, Linda Hawley has taught thousands of young children at Mission Trails about the importance of protecting the plants and animals, preserving the environment and learning the history and culture of the Kumeyaay Nation through her program “Nature Adventures!”

I have always told her, “If there was ever a Mrs. Rogers’ Neighborhood, it would be yours because of your dedication and enthusiasm for teaching and motivating children.” Linda is retiring to travel and help her daughter plan her wedding in August. She has done a great service to the children of San Diego.

Artwork by Paige, a student at Gage Elementary (Courtesy Art Smarts)

Cindy Christ is stepping up to fill Linda’s shoes. In each class, budding naturalists will blend art and science with guided nature walks and classroom activities to discover nature’s wonders. Children will explore the flora, fauna, geology and history of Mission Trails Regional Park.

“We will take a close look at Mission Trails, our San Diego treasure, through stories, songs, inquisitive thinking, scientific investigations, trail activities and artistic expression,” Christ said. “Sessions will include the value of becoming stewards of our natural heritage, and an exploration of how the Kumeyaay lived a sustainable way of life in their native land.”

Christ is an experienced classroom facilitator, interpreter and trail guide for nature enthusiasts of all ages. She brings with her over 25 years of experience in child development and education. Her credits include experience at the Grossmont College Child Development Center, the Audubon Society, the National Association for Interpretation, and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Cindy enjoys infusing art and creative crafts with scientific facts into age-appropriate workshops. Her enthusiasm inspires young minds to engage in and appreciate the natural world.

The “Nature Tales and Trails” summer series is appropriate for all children who want to hang out in a cool environment, make new friends and explore the natural beauty of Mission Trails. For more information and registration forms, visit mtrp.org and find the “Children’s Nature Classes” link under the “Nature Study” at the top of the page.

MTRP Foundation’s second children’s summer program is presented by Art Smarts, Inc. with art instructor BetteAnn Pierce beginning on Saturday, July 11, with additional classes on July 19, Aug. 1 and Aug. 29. Children will be encouraged to try new avenues of creativity by using several different drawing and painting techniques, media and subject matters.

Artwork by Mya, a student at Gage Elementary (Courtesy Art Smarts)

“We at Art Smarts are striving to keep creativity alive in our children by immersing them in the world of two-dimensional fine arts,” Pierce said. “We love introducing children to the visual arts. We are excited to receive this wonderful opportunity to hold classes on Saturday afternoons at the MTRP Visitor Center. There is no better location! We will be surrounded by the alluring, beautiful natural environment of Mission Trails to explore, strengthen and grow one’s creative process! In our two-hour art classes we will be exploring a variety of fine art media, techniques, nature related topics in creating art works, with the added inspiration of a short nature walk with each class.”

With instructor Pierce, students will enjoy using their imagination, honing their technical skill, expanding their visual abilities and expressing their unique selves. We will also offer a second class on these dates for more the advanced and intermediate young artists and adults, to catalyze and further develop their creative process. The cost of each class is $25. Each person will take home a completed art project with each class. Go to mtrp.org, click on “Nature Studies” at the top of the page, and then click “Children’s Art Classes” for more information and registration forms.

It is going to be another great summer at Mission Trails for camping, children’s classes, hiking, mountain biking, attending a concert and touring the MTRP Visitor Center!

—Jay Wilson is executive director of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation.