What is Copper TRACES?

Fourth graders pose with a park ranger at the Copper TRACES field day.

Photo courtesy of Bill Fink Photography.

What is Copper TRACES?

Copper TRACES is a dynamic, partnership-based educational experience for 4th graders and equivalents that promotes appreciation for the resources of Keweenaw National Historical Park. Students participate in the program throughout the school year, beginning with a classroom visit in the fall, participating in educator-led activities from a traveling trunk, and attending a field trip to the park's Calumet Unit in May. Students from the western six counties of the Upper Peninsula are invited to participate.

What does the TRACES in Copper TRACES stand for?

TRACES identifies the topics that are the focus of the field day:
Technology, Research, Art, Community, Environment, and Service.

 

The Open OutDoors for Kids program supports transportation costs for students to our national parks.

National Park Foundation

How is Copper TRACES funded?

Copper TRACES is funded by the National Park Foundation through the Open OutDoors for Kids Grants program. Keweenaw National Historical Park has received grants from 2016-2020. The Open OutDoors for Kids Grants program introduces fourth graders and equivalents to national parks in their communities through field trips, helping build the next generation of park stewards. The grant primarily covers transportation costs for schools to national parks.

 

Every Kid Outdoors logo.

Department of the Interior.

What is the Every Kid Outdoors Program?

Every Kid in a Park is a national program that provides fee-free entry for 4^th graders (including home-schooled and free-choice learners 10 years of age) and up to three adults to National Park Service sites and other public lands managed by federal agencies for a year. Vouchers for the pass can be downloaded online.