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We dare you to try to keep up with the Junior Rangers at Black Canyon and Curecanti. It’s fun and healthy to play in the parks and now National Park Junior Rangers get an extra reward for movin’ it outside. Today Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Curecanti National Recreation Area become part of 36 national parks that offer Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger. Let’s Move Outside, led by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, provides tools and information to parents to make it easy to enjoy the outdoors and be active and healthy. It is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s nationwide campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation. “Young people inspire us; we want to help them be healthy and curious for life. It starts with family fun. We want to help parents learn the skills they need to enjoy the outdoors with their kids,” National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said. Young people who complete at least one physical activity in pursuit of their Junior Ranger badge receive a special sticker that designates them as a Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger. The activities range from adventures like hiking with a ranger to body surfing and canoeing. “The Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger program offers kids and parents the chance to earn a special sticker by joining a ranger-led walk or hike, or, hiking, backpacking, boating or fishing as a family. These activities are not only great exercise, but also incredibly fun ways to see and learn about the park,” Chief of Interpretation and Education, Sandy Snell-Dobert said. By summer’s end, 50 national parks will offer Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger programs. Young people can become Junior Rangers at more than 200 national parks nationwide. Before heading out, families can look at www.letsmove.gov/letsmoveoutside.php for more information about activities and participating parks. This website hub will link families to the great outdoors and give tips and ideas on how to best plan and enjoy an active adventure. The National Park Service provides 84 million acres to explore, so there are many places and ways to move outside! |
Last updated: March 31, 2012