Some of the best learning happens when we step outside our usual routine.
This fall, AACORN participants have been exploring new places, discovering new interests, and enjoying time together in the community. From admiring classic automobiles to playing mini golf and exploring Michigan’s natural world, each outing offered a different opportunity to learn, try something new, and share an experience with friends.
These trips may look like simple days away from the farm, but they offer much more. They give participants opportunities to build confidence, explore their interests, and take part in our broader community.
A Look Back at Automotive History
At the Gilmore Car Museum, participants had the chance to explore automotive history and see some remarkable vehicles and displays. One highlight was the car and oversized movie set from Disney’s 1967 film The Gnome-Mobile—a display that brought a little movie magic to the visit.
The museum’s discounted admission helped make the outing possible while allowing AACORN to plan for the staff and volunteers needed to support participants throughout the day.
A Little Friendly Competition
At Airway Lanes, participants enjoyed free mini golf and the chance to spend time together in a different setting. A round of mini golf offers plenty of opportunities to practice taking turns, encourage friends, and celebrate a good shot—or laugh together when the ball takes an unexpected path.
Sometimes, the best part of an outing isn’t the activity itself. It’s the conversations, shared laughter, and memories made along the way.
Discovering Michigan’s Natural World
At the Kalamazoo Nature Center, participants explored the natural world around them. Program Manager Sam Meyer added a scavenger hunt card to the visit, encouraging everyone to look closely and search for items on the list as they explored.
That simple addition gave participants another way to engage with their surroundings, notice details, and learn through discovery.
Participants also enjoyed the Children’s Nature Playscape in downtown Kalamazoo, a free, accessible outdoor space inspired by nature. With opportunities to explore and play, it offered another way to enjoy the outdoors and experience a welcoming community space.
Making Room for Everyone to Participate
Community outings take planning. Along with choosing destinations and activities, AACORN must make sure enough staff and volunteers are available to support participants and help everyone take part in the experience.
When community partners offer discounted admission or complimentary activities, those savings make a meaningful difference. They help AACORN direct more of its resources toward the people who attend the program while still making room for experiences beyond the farm.
Just as important, staff and volunteers aren’t simply there to help the day run smoothly. They share in the discoveries, conversations, and fun that make these outings memorable.
Building Community, One Experience at a Time
We’re grateful to Gilmore Car Museum, Airway Lanes, Kalamazoo Nature Center, and the Children’s Nature Playscape for helping make these experiences possible. Welcoming spaces and affordable opportunities help open doors for AACORN participants to explore their community in new ways.
Whether they’re discovering a piece of automotive history, navigating a mini golf course, searching for something on a scavenger hunt, or exploring an outdoor playscape, participants are doing more than filling a day with activities. They’re learning, connecting, and building experiences they can share with others.
That’s what happens when a community makes room for everyone to participate.
At AACORN, we’re proud to be part of Kalamazoo County where we can continue to expand choices and build community—one outing at a time.
