COMMISSION

Kid’s Adventure Connection
Each winter, Ocotillo Wells SVRA holds its annual Kids’ Adventure Connection Weekend.
This fun-filled festival is based on the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights—only with an offhighway
recreation twist. In 2015, the event kicked off with the kids learning about the Tread
Lightly! ® principles and trail safety while operating remote-controlled Jeeps ® to maneuver over
obstacles.
After learning about safe, responsible recreation,
families geared up for an off-highway trail ride to
discover California’s past. Once riders arrived at
their destination, members of the Imperial Gem and
Mineral Society were on hand to talk about the history
of prospecting in the area. They followed up with a
hands-on activity where the kids dry-panned for gold.
“Eureka!” one kid exclaimed as he saw gold come into
view. Once back at camp, an interpretive version of
the Olympics filled the afternoon with fun. The kids jumped like jack rabbits, did push-ups like
an iguana, howled like coyotes, and identified smells like a kit fox, all in hopes of winning the
coveted gold coyote paw medal.
The day’s activities were topped off by a hot dog dinner, stargazing, songs and stories around
a blazing campfire, and of course, s’mores. Following a night in sleeping bags under the stars,
families spent the morning exploring the desert around them, playing tug-o-war, participating
in a pickup football game, and doing arts and crafts activities. Then, participants assembled
for the big awards ceremony where they were presented their coyote paw Olympic medals
and Safe Rider t-shirts. Participants are already looking forward to next year’s adventure. We
would like to convey a special thank you to our partner, Tierra Del Sol 4-Wheel Drive Club, for
its generous support for this event.
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California State Parks, Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Commission