Maryland >>  The Lois Green-Sligo Chapter held its first Family Nature Fun Day this year. Based on the popularity of the event, it will become a new chapter tradition.

Overcast skies did not deter more than 150 guests — mostly families with young children — from enjoying archery, conservation games, and craft stations. They enjoyed learning about beekeeping (particularly the part where they got to sample the honey!) and made a total of 70 birdhouses, caught 10 fish in the chapter pond, and built 5 rain barrels (which families took home along with installation instructions). The chapter distributed 100 tree seedlings and plenty of seed packets, and children built terrariums to take home with them. Hourly door prizes and a free lunch of hot dogs, chips, and cookies kept up youngsters’ energy levels.

“Everyone left with full tummies, lots of ideas, tired children ready for naps, gifts from our chapter, information about us, and warm feelings of welcome,” says chapter president Anita Stonebreaker, who attributes the event’s success to extensive marketing efforts. The chapter promoted the Fun Day on Facebook and directly contacted parent groups, Scout troops, 4-H Clubs, and homeschool support networks across the county.

“We were overwhelmed with the turnout — and the dedication of our generous members,” Stonebreaker says. “Clearly our neighbors are searching for ways to connect with nature!” Chapter members collected contact information and gauged families’ interest in future chapter activities, including a campfire night, nature walks, and scary story nights. “We will also invite them to chapter events that require and admission fee," adds Stonebreaker.