![\"Paige\"](\"https:\/\/missiontimescourier.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Paige.jpg\")
<\/a>Cindy Christ is stepping up to fill Linda\u2019s shoes. In each class, budding naturalists will blend art and science with guided nature walks and classroom activities to discover nature\u2019s wonders. Children will explore the flora, fauna, geology and history of Mission Trails Regional Park.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will take a close look at Mission Trails, our San Diego treasure, through stories, songs, inquisitive thinking, scientific investigations, trail activities and artistic expression,\u201d Christ said. \u201cSessions 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The \u201cNature Tales and Trails\u201d 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 \u201cChildren\u2019s Nature Classes\u201d link under the \u201cNature Study\u201d at the top of the page.<\/p>\n
MTRP Foundation\u2019s second children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe at Art Smarts are striving to keep creativity alive in our children by immersing them in the world of two-dimensional fine arts,\u201d Pierce said. \u201cWe 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\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/a>