Berks launches activity backpack lending program at its parks

The Berks County Parks and Recreation Department is launching a program that gives children an opportunity to deepen their connection with nature while learning.

The Backpack Lending Program makes available supplies, lesson materials and books to children in kindergarten through fifth grade at several county parks. Each backpack has a set of pencils and field guides to write down observations about what they see.

There are four kinds of backpacks:

• The Art Backpack provides a chance to create artwork out of natural materials found in the parks.

• The Insect Backpack provides the opportunity to collect and observe various insects.

• The Birding Backpack includes field guides and a bingo card to discover birds in the parks.

• The Wagon Works Backpack provides the activities to explore the history of bridges while becoming your own architect.

The backpacks are free to borrow and available at the Angora Fruit Farm, Antietam Lake Park, Beidler House/Allegheny Aqueduct, Berks Leisure Area, Gring’s Mill, Berks County Heritage Center and Stonecliffe Recreation Area.

Those interested in the program, can reserve a backpack by sending an email to LGauker@berkspa.gov.