Five years ago the National Kids to Parks Day as a way to promote the importance of people of all ages, especially our youth, getting outside in nature by taking advantage of national, state, regional and local parks across the country. This year National Kids to Parks Day will be held May 16.
School Contest Winners Gate City Elementary students caving at Natural Tunnel State Park
Photo courtesy National Park Trust
As a companion to this great family event, the Kids to Parks Day National School Contest. The deadline for entries is March 2, 2015.
This competition is unique because the kids are actually tasked with planning their trip. Students research their nearby Virginia State Park to find our what outdoor recreational, educational, and stewardship activities are available. Trip proposals must incorporate education (preference given to STEM emphasis), stewardship and healthy living goals for the trip.
Buddy Bison rides the chair lift down to the Natural Tunnel with this student from Hilton Elementary
Photo courtesy of the National Park Trust
Contest winners will receive funding for one park experience including school bus transportation, park related fees, educational materials, healthy snacks, or supplies for the park stewardship project. Students will receive an award certificate and stickers and a classroom Buddy Bison to take on the park adventure.
Natural Tunnel State Park has had two local schools win this prize: Gate City Elementary and Hilton Elementary.
The winning park experience is not tied to the actual National Kids to Parks Day so the school and park can find a date that works out best for them.
The Wilderness Road Blockhouse at Natural Tunnel State Park gives students from Hilton Elementary an idea of life for Virginians heading to settle the west. Photo courtesy the National Park Trust.
Don't know which park is closest to your school or who to contact there? Email me and I will get you in touch with the right person to work with you on your proposal.
For more information on the contest, visit the HERE for the application form.
As usual, all of our National Kids to Parks Day. You will be hearing more about that in a couple of months.
Students from Gate City Elementary enjoy lunch in the park
Photo courtesy National Park Trust
So teachers let your students know they can enter this contest to try to win an exciting field trip to their favorite Virginia State Park!