GFP News - October 27, 2011
- GFP, DOH to grant nature backpacks kits to After-School/Out-Of School programs
- Portion of Needles Highway Temporarily Closed
- S.D. State Parks Give Away Camping Prizes
GFP, DOH to grant nature backpacks kits to After-School/Out-Of School programs
PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and the Department of Health are teaming up in an effort to increase the amount of time children spend outdoors.
Applications are currently available for the Children in Nature Backpack Grant, which awards a nature backpack to after-school and out-of-school programs in South Dakota.
The backpacks will be in the form of large kits and contain a variety of items to encourage daily outdoor activity, such as insect nets, habitat games, tracks, flying discs, activity idea books, fishing poles and more.
Each backpack kit is valued at approximately $250 and contains numerous items that can be used in a group setting.
"The nature backpack program is a perfect opportunity for the GFP and the Department of Health to partner with caregivers in getting kids outside more," said GFP Secretary Jeff Vonk. "Keeping kids physically active and connecting them with nature is very important, both for the children as individuals and for our society as a whole."
Studies show children who play outside are healthier, have higher self-esteem, are good problem-solvers, have good self-discipline and do better in school.
"At the same time," said Vonk, "we're engaging tomorrow's conservation leaders and introducing them to our state's traditions of hunting and fishing. Our unique outdoor treasures depend on the next generation to preserve them."
The number of grants awarded will depend on the number of qualified applicants. Applicants must be an established after-school or out-of-school program in South Dakota.
Grants will be awarded to those who demonstrate a need and the commitment to use the items frequently.
This is the third installment of the grant program.
In 2010 and 2011, the Game, Fish and Parks awarded backpacks to 468 daycare and preschool providers across the state. Follow-up surveys showed that child care providers were going outside more often and spending longer periods of time outside each time.
The backpack grant program is offered as part of the Game, Fish and Parks' participation in the nationwide Children in Nature initiative. The initiative seeks to make nature and the outdoors a daily part of children's lives.
The Department of Health is participating in the backpack program as part of its Healthy South Dakota Initiative to encourage increased physical activity.
More information and an application can be found online or by calling 605-773-7048. Applications are due Dec. 15, 2011. Backpacks will be awarded in March and April.
Portion of Needles Highway Temporarily Closed
CUSTER STATE PARK - Needles Highway between Camp Remington Road and Playhouse Road will be closed for a week starting Nov. 2, while crews battle mountain pine beetle. The public will still be able to access Playhouse Road and Camp Remington.
For more information, contact Custer State Park at 605-255-4515.
S.D. State Parks Give Away Camping Prizes
PIERRE, S.D. - Michelle White of Crooks, Sue Olson of Mitchell and June Rickard of Sioux Falls are the 2011 winners of the South Dakota State Parks Camping Give Away.
The contest, sponsored by the state Division of Parks and Recreation, gave park visitors the opportunity to win one of three prizes. White received a three-night stay at a state-owned lodge. Olson and Rickard both received free campsites for three nights.
The winners will get advance reservations for the 2012 camping season.
Entrants in the contest filled out comment cards while staying at South Dakota state parks during this year's camping season.
Three winners will be selected in a similar drawing next year.
First prize is a choice of one of the following: a free three-night rental at a state-owned lodge, a free three-night camping cabin rental in a state park, or a free three-night stay at any state campground.
The second-prize winner will choose from the leftover two prizes, and the third-prize winner will receive the remaining prize.
Campers can enter by filling out comment cards or by sending in post cards.
-GFP-