Camera-happy kids can have a field day today at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
The Kids’ Photo Tour gives burgeoning shutterbugs a chance to explore nature, learn about native flora and fauna, and — hopefully — catch a glimpse of the resident wild things in their native environment.
Kids bring their own digital or film cameras. Then the staff and volunteers at the refuge teaches them about nature photography at the visitor center.
“It’s a little mini photo workshop,” says Sherry James, visitor services manager at Rocky Mountain Arsenal. “It’s not about high- tech digital cameras and which F-stop to use, but we talk about framing, lighting, and maybe the thought that goes into a shot.”
After the brief tutorial, kids and parents load up in a van to visit three specific sites: wetland, prairie, and woodland habitats.
From butterflies to bald eagles, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal is home to a wide range of wildlife. Kids might spot mule deer, prairie dogs, hawks and waterfowl. But because it’s a refuge, the staff and volunteers are careful not to disturb the wildlife.
“We’re not out chasing birds or animals with cameras,” says Dave Showalter, a local nature photographer who volunteers during these summer photo workshops. “The spirit is really to expose city kids to nature and get them in touch with the outdoors.”
As an instructor, Showalter’s goal is to teach children to see the world in new and different ways — through the camera lens.
“I get kids to do things that come naturally, like getting down on your hands and knees or looking under rocks,” he says. “The best shots come when you tap into their sense of wonder.”
Showalter tries not to limit the kids’ creativity with too many rules or guidelines. Instead, he looks for teaching moments in the field. He can point out the beauty of a single fallen leaf, or show kids how to frame a shot of an enormous sky with just a small band of earth.
He also encourages his students to try different angles, play with light and shadow and really explore any given subject more deeply.
“Kids are fascinated by details, like zooming in on the spine of an unusual plant,” Showalter says. “Sometimes I’m blown away by the results.”
And with a growing sense of concern that so many youngsters are being reared on television, video games and the Internet, programs like this offer a unique opportunity for kids to learn about conservation.
“If they aren’t exposed to hiking and exploring the outdoors,” Showalter says, “they won’t understand why we need to protect it.”
Kids’ photo tour
Advance registration is required for today’s photo tour. Ongoing photo tours, workshops and other kids’ programs are listed at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal’s website.
When: Today
Time: 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: 5650 Havana St., Commerce City
Admission: Free. The refuge is open for wildlife viewing, hiking and seasonal fishing every Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday through summer.
Information and program registration: Call 303-289-0930 or visit .
