Shelby Township nature center’s Family Fun Day to teach winter survival skills

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — The Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center at River Bends Park in Shelby Township will host its annual Family Fun Day to teach about winter survival from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan 22.

During this family outing, participants will learn some basic outdoor skills necessary to survive a snowy night in the woods. Families will learn how to be prepared on the trail, how to build a fire and shelter, and how to make tea from pine needles. Participants will finish by roasting hot dogs over a campfire. Meatless hot dogs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers recommend the event for children ages 5 and older. The cost to participate is $3 for residents and $5 for nonresidents.

Elizabeth Schultz, the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center coordinator, said it is important to be prepared and to know some outdoor skills, just in case of an emergency.

“We believe it’s important for people to get outside, even during the colder months. Our Family Fun Day: Winter Survival program will not only provide families an opportunity to spend time together, but will teach valuable outdoor skills. Take a break from screens and get off the couch with this unique, fun and educational way to spend an afternoon,” Schultz said via email.

Joe Youngblood, Shelby Township’s Parks, Recreation, Maintenance, Nature Center and Senior Center director, said the nature center does a great job putting together events like these for everyone to enjoy.

“Lizzy Schultz and our Nature Center staff have done an outstanding job of creating new programs, classes and events. Our numbers are better now than at any time since the Nature Center has been open. We encourage our residents to come out for this fun program,” he said in an email.

The Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center is located at 4101 River Bends Drive.