Suwon Ilwol Arboretum Recruiting Participants for 'Kids Explorer Corps'

Suwon's Ilwol Arboretum is recruiting families to participate in its children's ecological exploration program 'Kids Explorer Corps' through August 30.

Kids Explorer Corps is a family-participatory ecological experience program operated by Ilwol Arboretum in cooperation with Korea National Arboretum and National Geographic Apparel Kids. Children and guardians follow exploration maps throughout the arboretum to observe various organisms and complete missions.

The program will be held twice at Ilwol Arboretum on September 19. The first session runs from 10 a.m. to noon, and the second session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants will complete various observation and activity missions at 9 locations within the arboretum, including △making autumn tops from acorns △making willow-leaf sailboats △observing stag beetles and Japanese rhinoceros beetles △learning the differences between water lilies and lotus flowers △observing carnivorous plant hunting methods △carbon-neutral quizzes △and making flower pots.

Upon completing missions at each location, participants receive stamps to complete their exploration maps. There are also activities involving natural materials and family problem-solving experiences.

Participants must be elementary school students in grades 3 through 6 paired with one guardian. A total of 60 teams—30 per session—will be selected by lottery. The program is free.

Families wishing to participate should add the 'National Geographic Apparel Kids' KakaoTalk channel as a friend by August 30, then apply through the 'Kids Explorer Corps Application' menu at the bottom of the chat room. Selection results will be announced individually via text message on September 3.

Admission to Ilwol Arboretum for one child and one guardian, as well as parking for one vehicle, are free. The program will operate even in rainy conditions, but may be cancelled in case of disasters such as typhoons.

An Ilwol Arboretum official stated, "This will be an opportunity for children to observe plants and organisms at the arboretum and view nature from a fresh perspective. We hope families will explore the arboretum together and create special memories in nature."