Date: September 3, 2015
Contact: Aly Baltrus (ZION) , (435) 772-0160
Contact: Paul Roelandt (CEBR) , 435-586-9451
Contact: Paula Ogden-Muse (PISP) , 928-643-7105
The National Park Service is launching the Every Kid in a Park Initiative. The immediate goal is to provide the opportunity for each and every fourth grade student (or 10-year old) across the country to experience their public lands and waters in person throughout the 2015-2016 school year.
To receive their pass, each fourth grade participant must complete an interactive online activity at everykidinapark.gov. Upon finishing the online activity, they then need to print the paper pass from the online site. That pass will give them free entry to ANY federal land that has an entrance fee. At the entrance fee, the student may also exchange the paper pass for a more durable plastic pass. Both paper and plastic passes may be used repeatedly through August 31, 2016. Passes must be printed prior to park arrival. Smart phone scans will not be accepted.
The fourth grader must be present in order for his or her family to receive free entry. At sites that charge by the vehicle, the pass will cover everyone in the car. At sites that charge by individual, the pass will enable three adults and all accompanying children under the age of 16 to enter free of charge.
"We are really excited about this program," said Aly Baltrus, Zion National Park's Chief of Interpretation and Education. "Fourth grade is a great year. Most students are studying their local area and American history. This will hopefully help to open up the country to them, along with all of its compelling stories, fantastic resources, and recreational opportunities, whether it takes them deeper into their backyard or across the country."
