What is a Discovery Pack?

A Discovery Pack is a backpack bag that includes field guides, nature games and equipment such as binoculars, dip nets, magnifying observation boxes and measurement tools.

•  The users will be able to identify trees, insects, mammals, birds and pond life. They will be able to have a hands on experience in the woods, on trails, on the beach, or in the estuary.
•  These packs are an ideal source of environmental education, a way  for children and adults to be outside enjoying nature, and a way to spend some quality family time.
•  The packs are great for scout groups, families, individuals and couples. They can even create a birthday party! 

“Let Nature be your teacher.”
​— William Wordsworth

Making community connections with Discovery Packs for children
By Brittany Murphy; Intern

The smoke was thick and low, my son asked me "Why is it so hot?" It was nearly 100 degrees in August. I answered, "Our world is changing because of the way we live our lives." But what came out of him next made me stop our exploration and take pause. 

I pulled out a book from the Discovery Pack, settled our family on the platform half way down to Carpenter Lake near Gordon Elementary, and read "The EARTH book" by Todd Parr. The squeaking of the binding seemed to bring him back. He repeated himself, just looking at me as if he knew something I didn't. "Then, why don't we change the way we are living?" My son is five. I told him "This is a great start. Exploring today helps us connect with the world around us!" 

Available to check out at the Kingston Public Library!

Discovery packs are available for free from the Kingston Public Library!

Kingston Library webpage

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Thank you to the
Port Gamble S'Klallam tribe
for helping us expand the Discovery Pack program.

Thank you to the
North Kitsap Rotary Foundation
for originally funding the program in 2007.

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Coloring contest winners!

This month's winner: Shannon!
"Hi, my name is Shannon. I love and live in Kitsap County. I chose all these colors because I was drawing with my family and we like all the colors of the rainbow."

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Honorable Mentions!

Brittany Murphy

Gabby Deering, "Colorful world"