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For over 60 years, the Friends of Roan Mountain has offered outdoor learning experiences. The Xtreme Roan Adventures are designed to get the whole family outdoors together.

The 15th annual Xtreme Roan Adventures – a get more kids outdoors event – will be held Saturday, July 29, at the Roan Mountain State Park Conference Center and Amphitheater.

A recent survey by the Child Mind Institute showed that children benefit from being outdoors. Why is it important to get kids outdoors? Research shows some benefits children get by spending some time outdoors:

* It Builds Confidence: Outdoor play has no boundaries.
* Promotes Imagination: Unbounded by walls or ceilings, they can expand their thoughts to include things much larger.
* Stimulates all the Senses – The horizon is unlimited, the sense of smell is stimulated by fresh air, and many more tactile experiences.

You can register online or at the event on July 29. Cost is $3 for kids and adults. If registering before July 22, an optional catered lunch is available.

This is the 15th year for Xtreme Roan Adventures. The Friends also offer a Fall Naturalists’ Rally, a Winter Rally, and a Spring Rally. These offer a more in-depth look into nature exploration.

Xtreme Roan Adventures Schedule:

Friday Evening, July 28

8 p.m., Pollinators Are Awesome! Stage Presentation with Dr. Gerardo Acero-Gomez; 9 p.m., Moth Party with Larry McDaniel, Salamanders at Night with Lance Jessee, Lightening Bug Adventure with Ranger Phil Hylen, Hike-a-delic Experience with Connie Deegan.

Saturday, July 29

8 a.m., Registration and ticket pick-up; 8:45 a.m., Introductions; 9 a.m., Adventures at the Amphitheater Pollinators are Awesome Adventure with Gerardo Acero-Gomez and crew; Animal Signs Adventure with Joe McGuiness and The U.S. Forest Service; Snake Adventure with Connie Deegan; Salamander Adventure with Dale Ledford; Birds Adventure with Michele Sparks; Wet Rocks Geology Adventure with Jeremy Stout; Leave No Trace with Ranger Marcianne O’Day; 10:30 a.m., Adventures at the Amphitheater; Pollinators are Awesome Adventure with Gerardo Acero-Gomez and crew; Animal Signs Adventure with Joe McGuiness and The U.S. Forest Service; Snake Adventure with Connie Deegan; Wet & Wild Adventure with Gary Barrigar; Salamander Adventure with Dale Ledford; Birds Adventure with Michele Sparks; Wet Rocks Geology Adventure with Jeremy Stout;
11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Lunch and Adventures at the Conference Center; Fossil Casting with E.T.S.U., Dr. Mick Whitelaw and Geology Club; Nature Crafts with Sheri Rhudy; Nature Crafts, Native Bee Hotels with Tracy and Chloe Campbell; Animal Helpers with Denise Shadduck; Owl Pellet Adventure with Janet Brown; Snake Craft with Bay’s Mountain State Park Ranger Krystal Haney; 12:45 p.m., Owls of Roan Mountain with Ranger Phil Hylen; 1:30 p.m., Adventures (some of these adventures will involve driving to other locations on the mountain); Butterfly Adventure with Nancy Barrigar and Aubrie Abernethy; Insect Safari Adventure with Janet Brown and Larry McDaniel; Blueberry Adventure with Adam and Olivia from Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy; Doe River Underwater Adventure with Marcia Carter and the U.S. Forest Service, Limited to Adventurers 12 years old and up, Miller Farmstead with Marcianne O’Day.