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Every Kid in a Park is an exciting component of the National Park Service's centennial celebration! As of September 1, 2015, fourth grade students can go to www.everykidinapark.gov to complete an activity and obtain a voucher for a FREE annual entry pass to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas, including national parks. Homestead National Monument of America will be participating in this exciting program by issuing these free passes. Fourth grade was selected because research shows that children ages 9 to 11 are at a unique developmental stage in their learning where they begin to understand how the world around them works in more concrete ways. They are also likely to have positive attitudes towards nature and the environment and grow into the next generation of stewards, ready to support and advocate on behalf of these natural wonders. Once a fourth grader completes the web based activity on the Every Kid in a Park website they will need to print a voucher and bring it to a participating federal recreation site, including Homestead National Monument of America. The student can then exchange the voucher for the FREE Annual 4th Grade Pass. The pass is good from September through August. All fourth graders including home schooled and free choice students are eligible. "Last year we welcomed hundreds of fourth graders and their families." said Superintendent Mark Engler.Homestead National Monument of America offers many programs that target families and groups.If it is visiting the Homestead Heritage Center, one of the National Park Service's newest interactive museums, examining historic buildings, walking trails, picnicking or participating in one the many special programs or events, the entire family is sure to have a great time and it is all free to visit! "During the National Park Service's centennial celebration, we want everyone to get to know their national parks, and we're offering a special invitation to fourth graders and their families to discover everything that national parks offer," said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. "We hope these free passes for fourth graders will introduce fourth graders, their classes, and families to our national treasures, places where they can run and play, explore and learn." Homestead National Monument of America has curriculum based education programs for schools that can be scheduled throughout the year. "We are always look forward to engaging students and helping them develop their reading and writing skills while learning about the Homestead Act of 1862," said Engler. Teachers are encouraged to visit the Every Kid in a Park website,www.everykidinapark.gov, for classroom activities and additional information on how they can obtain free passes for their entire classroom. Remember, Homestead National Monument of America has an exciting schedule of events planned for 2015. Keep up with the latest information by following us on Twitter (HomesteadNM) and Facebook (Homestead National Monument of America). Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily;after Labor Day hours will be8:30 a.m. –5 p.m.Monday through Friday, and 9:00 a.m. –5 p.m. on weekends. Admission is free of charge. For additional information, please call 402-223-3514 or visit https://www.nps.gov/home/index. EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICATM The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage. |
Last updated: September 4, 2015