Sleeping Bear Dunes receives field trip grant from National Park Foundation
From staff reports
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was selected to receive a 2017 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 program.
“I can still remember the excitement of exploring my first national park as a kid and it made me want to discover more,” said NPS President Will Shafroth. “I’m thrilled that our National Park Foundation grants make it possible for hundreds of thousands of kids to experience the wonder of parks for the first time, sparking a lifelong love for national parks.”
The National Lakeshore is excited to offer the third year of their day-long Snowshoe Experience program. 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 send in a Bus Transportation Application and Field Trip Request by October 23, 2017. Classes who do not need or are not eligible for transportation grants will be scheduled beginning November 13, 2017. Check the park’s website for more details on how to apply at https://www.nps.gov/teachers/classrooms/snowshoe-hikes.htm. You can also email them at slbe_education@nps.gov for more information.
