38 MARCH 2022 M arch is here which means it’s time for spring break. If you can’t get away to an amusement park, tropical beach, or mountain ski resort this year, but still want to have some fun with the kids – that won’t break the bank – we have an idea. We’re talking about something fun and educational, that instills in youth the importance of taking care of our environment while experiencing our state’s diverse beauty and cute critters. This year, the Phoenix Zoo is celebrating 60 years. I doubt that when they opened their doors in 1952, they had any idea the zoo would become the largest privately-owned, nonprofit zoo in the United States. Chuttie the Cutie, a one-horned rhino, has quite the cult following here. Fernando, a two-toed sloth, is well-known on the Cameo app. According to his keepers, Fernando is a superstar and has quite a personality. The Phoenix Zoo also has a new way to navigate the property. Stop by the Rydables corral and rent one of the battery-powered carts designed specifically for multi-terrain outdoor experiences. Climb onto an elephant, monkey, giraffe, or even a sloth for a ride that is fun for kids of all ages. The Arizona Sonora Desert Museum is unlike any other. It is outdoors, has few walls, not much glass, and the exhibits are anything but static. It is a true living museum on the edge of the Saguaro National Monument in Tucson. It is part zoo, aquarium, botanical gardens, natural history museum, and art institute – all rolled into one. They highlight a wide variety of animals, including black bears, mountain lions, even stingrays – which some might find surprising. The reality is stingrays live close, in the Gulf of California, so they can educate people on ocean conservation and why it’s important, even here in the desert. The museum campus is a chameleon, always changing to reflect the seasons and its surroundings. Unlike the Sahara or the Mohave, the Sonoran Desert is one of the lushest deserts in the world. Most people hear the word and it conjures an image of brown sand and barren landscapes, but the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum in the springtime is an explosion of rich, vibrant color. Folks can spend an entire day here: walk the trails, visit the art institute, the cave, and of course, see the cute critters – like the prairie dogs, which are a fan favorite. Mayor Moore says that Bearizona is a must-stop. I would say he is a bit biased, since he is the Mayor of Williams, and the wildlife park is in his “backyard,” but I couldn’t agree more. One of the things I love most about Bearizona is the number of options guests have to enjoy the park. From the comfort of your car, you can see bears, wolves, and other North American critters roaming freely through their ponderosa pine-filled range. Another way to explore the park is by strolling through Fort Bearizona. Home to a petting zoo and the Mine Shaft Experience, where the nocturnal animals and creepy crawlies live, guests can see jaguars, grizzly bear cubs, and the playful antics of smaller animals, like otters and fennec foxes. These are just a few options for spending spring break outdoors. Making this year’s spring break all about the animals Host and executive producer of Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum cacti Fernando the two-toed sloth at the Phoenix Zoo Fennec fox at Bearizona  DUFDGLDSHGLDWULFGHQWDOFRP &RPH6HH:K\:H:HUH 9RWHG%HVW3HGLDWULF 'HQWLVWLQ6FRWWVGDOH Chartered in 1934, ArcadiaÕ s Troop 6 has a rich history in Arizona Scouting. Community service and leadership development are part of our mission, along with helping our young men earn ScoutingÕ s highest rank, Eagle Scout. Youth-led and very active, Troop 6 Scouts select our activities and adventures. We are frequently camping, backpacking and experiencing special locations like Emerald Bay on Catalina Island, Philmont Cavalcade, Colorado River Runs and our summer camp at Geronimo near Payson in 2022. Along the way, Scouts have a lot of fun, make new friends and learn valuable skills that will help them Be Prepared. For Life. Troop 6 meets on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm at Prince of Peace (3641 N. 56th St., Phoenix) For more information, contact our Scoutmaster, Steve Radonich 602-717-3006 or steve@scoutwm.com or visit arcadiatroop6.org $5&$',$ 75223 3UHSDUHG)RU/LIH ŗ

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