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Oklahoma kids view nature through photographic lens

A pilot program in Oklahoma for Parks in Focus put digital cameras into the hands of 24 Boys & Girls Club kids to help them learn about nature and photography.

By Heather Warlick hwarlick@opubco.com | Modified: November 5, 2012 at 5:12 pm | Published: November 6, 2012 Comment on this article

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“Things they might typically squeal about become things that are interesting to photograph,” Muter said. The program is only active in a handful of locations across the United States. It was brought to Oklahoma by Dr. Steve Prescott, president of Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. Prescott also serves on the board of the Udall Foundation.

“It will not only inspire our youth to enjoy nature, but will teach them valuable skills in photography,” said Jane Sutter, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County, in a news release. “We are so appreciative of this wonderful new partnership.”

This was a pilot for the Oklahoma City extension of the program. Tucson, Ariz., is home to the flagship Parks in Focus program. Muter said the Udall Foundation's goal is to find local financial sponsorship to develop a program that would serve Oklahoma kids year-round.

For information about Parks in Focus, go online to http://pif.udall.gov.

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