Monday Mornings with Michael @ Metea

Jan. 11, Feb. 1, 22, & March 15

Greet the day from the beginning and watch the
world come alive. A sunrise experiential at Metea
County Park. Dress weather appropriate, and the
hiking is easy to moderate and often wet.

Jan. 8:00 AM, Feb./Mar. 7:00 AM
Cost: $2.00
Pre-register by: Prior Friday
Min: 5
Max.: 15

To register or more information:
Email:mgobert@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3777
Michael Gobert

Monday Mornings with Michael @ Payton

Jan. 4, 25, Feb. 15, & March 8, 29

Greet the day from the beginning and watch world come alive. A sunrise experiential walk Payton Park. Dress weather appropriate, and hiking is easy to moderate and often wet.

Jan. 8:00 AM, Feb./Mar. 7:00AM
Cost: $2.00
Pre-register by: Prior Friday
Min: 5
Max: 15

To register or more information:
Email:mgobert@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3777
Michael Gobert

Cross Country Ski Clinic

Date: When there is enough snow

Learn how equipment works, waxing vs. no-wax, purchasing, ski prep and maintenance, and how to dress. Receive basic instruction and practice on technique, weather permitting. Leave your phone number or email when registering and Michael will contact you with time and date.

Cost: $7.00 incl. 1 hr rental
$3.00 w/your equip.
Pre-register by : N/A
Min: 5
Max: 15

To register or more information:
Email:mgobert@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3777
Michael Gobert
Note: Need shoe size, height and weight when registering

What I bring to you

By Michael J. Gobert

In that I am new to Allen County Parks I have been given this opportunity to provide more of my history, skills and experience.

My friends know me as a caring, giving, open-minded, intelligent, and spiritual person. I am an educator, environmentalist, naturalist, horticulturalist, conservationist, cyclist, challenge course trainer and instructor, and wilderness guide that is always learning and growing. I have over 35 years experience of working in these fields of study, and have worked with all ages in a wide variety of learning environments. My approach to teaching is experiential and I utilize the acclimatizing sensory awareness methodology. I am a diverse and a directly honest individual. I will gratefully talk to you, and provide programs relative to any of the aforementioned topics.

I plan to provide specific programs in canoeing, cross country skiing, backpacking, camping, survival skills, and trip planning. Hopefully we can set up some trips.

A new program offering at Metea County Park is Challenge Course programming. This program is comprised of three primary aspects. The initial is usually games and initiatives. These are further divided into categories of social/recreational, trust, and problem solving. They all foster the development of communication and teamwork. The second and third level of challenge programming occurs on a Challenge Course. The military calls them obstacle courses, which implies that something is in the way. They are also called ropes courses by the professionals of climbing and builders organizations. I prefer to challenge rather than force or coerce you to do something you are unsure of. A challenge course is divided into low and high segments. I know of five local courses, (within 25 miles), two comprised of lows, and three with both. Of these Challenge Courses, The Timberline Challenge Program at Deer Run is renowned as one of this nation’s best courses in design and diversity of options. Lows and highs are made of wood, poles, cables, and/or rope strung between trees or posts. Lows are 10’ and under, whereas highs are commonly 25’ to 60’. I have been on a Challenge Course in Oregon that averaged 60’ and the highest was 131’. Hopefully we will be able to extend programming to a Challenge Course during warmer months in the future.

In summary, come see me at Metea. I am looking forward to meeting you, your family, groups, and organizations. I am at your service.

Winter at Metea - 2 NISTEM points

December 29, Tuesday, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

We will hike the trails looking for signs of how animals and plants survive the winter. After our hike we will come in and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies. Dress to be outside. Ages 6 - adult

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Cost: $3.00
Pre-register by: 12/23
Min: 5
Max: 20

To register or more information:
Email:nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Winter Solstice Celebration

December 21, Monday, 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM, Metea County Park Nature Center

The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. We will have a ceremony encouraging the return of the sun similar to one used by the ancient people and read some related myths. We will conclude our celebration with a snack. Ages 6 -12

Cost:$3.00/child, $2.00 adult
Pre-register by: 12/16
Min: 5
Max: 15

To register or more information:
Email:nbradtmiller@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-3778
Nancy Bradtmiller

Night Hike - 2 NISTEM points

December 18, Friday, 7:00 PM, Payton County Park 13928 Dunton Rd.

Spend one of the longest nights of the year hiking as we explore the night sky (if it’s clear) and animals in winter (if it isn’t). Flashlights optional, and not used on the hike.

Cost: $2.00
Pre-register by: 12/13
Min: 5
Max: 30

To register or more information:
Email: bdispenza@allencountyparks.org
Call: 449-8619
Bob Dispenza