Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (National Lakeshore) was selected to receive a 2018-2019 field trip grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of America’s national parks. This grant will allow fourth grade classes the opportunity to explore the National Lakeshore on a snowshoeing adventure for free and learn about winter ecology, snow science, and more in a hands-on, experiential format.
This grant, part of the NPF’s Open OutDoors for Kids program supports the Every Kid in a Park initiative
Trekking along trails, observing our natural ecosystems, and engaging with our shared history are experiences that benefit all children," said NPF President Will Shafroth. “Making it possible for hundreds of thousands of kids to explore our national parks is an investment in their future and the future of the national parks community."
The National Lakeshore is excited to offer the fourth year of our day-long Snowshoe Experience program for third through fifth grade students. Students go on an off-trail, snowshoeing adventure through a winter wonderland and complete curriculum-based, hands-on activities and games throughout the day. Teachers can prepare their students for the trip and extend learning by completing a pre-visit and post-visit lesson. Rangers may be available to visit classrooms prior to the field trip to present a pre-program activity in November, December, and early January. Field trips are offered Tuesday through Friday, from January to mid-March.
Fourth grade teachers are eligible to apply for a bus transportation grant, made possible by the NPF and administered by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and require teachers to submit a Field Trip Request with transportation information by Nov. 12, 2018. Classes who do not need or are not eligible for transportation grants will be scheduled beginning Dec. 3, 2018. Check their website for more details on how to apply at www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/snowshoe-hikes.htm. You can also email the park at e-mail us for more information.
For the full list of grantees and their projects, go to:
ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION (NPF)
Celebrating 50 years, the NPF is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service (NPS). Chartered by Congress in 1967, the NPF raises private funds to help PROTECT more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts, CONNECT all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, and ENGAGE the next generation of park stewards. In 2016, commemorating the NPS’s 100th anniversary, the NPF launched The Centennial Campaign for America’s National Parks, a comprehensive fundraising campaign to strengthen and enhance the future of these national treasures for the next hundred years. Find out more and become a part of the national park community at www.nationalparks.org.
Tags: snowshoe hikes national park foundation grant
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
