In February 2003, Friends of Safari West, the nonprofit arm of Safari West, began to offer its Discover Africa field trip program. Discover Africa subsidizes the cost of one classroom Safari West field trip per month to schools that would otherwise be unable to afford this vital enrichment program. Our nonprofit is now known as Safari West Wildlife Foundation (SWWF) and is continuing the programs started by Friends of Safari West.
While more than 10,000 students already visit Safari West in a school year, it is estimated that as many as 5,000 more are not able to attend due to financial limitations. In response to this need, Safari West Wildlife Foundation has introduced Discover Africa... an opportunity for a free field trip. This program opens the students’ eyes to a whole new world. Many students are terribly fearful of animals, even domestic dogs. We are pleased and excited to provide a program that introduces children to the wonderful world of animals and exotic wildlife.
Safari West Wildlife Foundation is especially committed to giving at-risk students in our local counties and the greater Bay Area an opportunity to participate in this program. Some of these children come from troubled homes where they may have been exposed to abuse or neglect. Often their only interaction with animals has come in the form of aggressive guard dogs, and in many cases these children have not had the opportunity to experience the wonders and beauty of the natural world that surrounds us. By supporting the Wildlife Foundation you are enabling these children to embrace their connection to animals, respect our environment, and come to better understand their own significance within the world.
We have designed our program to provide a unique experience for these students. We find that interacting with the animals leaves a “wildlife imprint” on these developing minds. We have heard many touching stories from children whose lives have taken a whole new direction after visiting Safari West. It broadens their horizons in ways we couldn’t have imagined.
Since we started this program, we have been host to over 4,000 students. We work to identify schools that qualify for a free trip to Safari West. For the 2008-2009 school year, our non-profit organization will provide a field trip scholarship to as many deserving schools as we can. It is our hope that no school, regardless of its socioeconomic level, will be denied such an experience.
Thank you for honoring our commitment with your support. Our work would not be possible without you.
More information for Educators...
Discover Africa along with our Safari to Science education program is comprehensive. Teachers will be trained firsthand in wildlife education and conservation and will be provided with educational materials that are in line with the California state science framework. In class, students will learn about the various kinds of animals they will be observing, behavior characteristics, life span and other interesting facts.
To learn more about our Discover Africa program and our Safari to Science program, please contact Judy Crosson at 707 579-2551 or send an email to discoverafrica[@]safariwest.com. You may also download a
Discover Africa application.
To learn more about Safari West Wildlife Foundation, and how to donate to the Discover Africa Progam, please call Judy Crosson or simply send an email to swwf[@]safariwest.com.
Children who come to Safari West for naturalist-led tours expand their awareness of the natural world, conservation issues, and the plight of African and other wildlife. They leave with a tangible appreciation, impossible to simulate in a classroom because they've had the extraordinary opportunity to see, living and breathing, the real thing.
Once at Safari West, students will learn about wildlife conservation, natural history and zoology. They will also be able to participate in other hands-on activities. Additionally students will learn about possible careers in this field.
In additional to learning about wildlife and nature, we hope the program will open the student horizons. "History is filled with stories about how an individual made a significant positive impact on our society simply because someone or some organization gave them an opportunity to experience something that changed their lifes and pointed them in a whole new direction. We hope we can do this with the Discover Africa program," says John Menth, Program Director.
California's ongoing fiscal crisis has slashed already scant budgets for school field trips. Many schools now consider off-site excursions a luxury beyond their means. Safari West Wildlife Foundation is committed to extending field trip opportunities to schools in Sonoma, Napa, and Lake Counties by providing scholarships to one classroom every month. Our hope is that no school, regardless of its budget, be denied this experience. Per pupil tour cost is $10; with teacher preparation, chaperones, and transportation, underwriting costs for an entire classroom can run from $500 to $800 depending on class size and travel distance.
Please consider a donation to support our "Discover Africa" field trip program. Your tax-deductible contribution can help bring a child to Safari West and open their eyes and ears to the natural world.
Sometimes one person can make a difference - if that person is given a chance.
Donations can be mailed to Safari West Wildlife Foundation, 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404.
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