DCNR Program Introduces City-Dwelling Teens to PA State Parks

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Buoyed by success in the past three years, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and local agencies in nine cities again are pooling resources to support an urban recreation initiative that introduces young people to the adventure, natural beauty and learning opportunities offered by Pennsylvania's state parks.

After opening in late June in the Lehigh Valley area, additional Youth Adventure Camps have been scheduled for the Erie, Harrisburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Warren, Williamsport and York areas.

"It is rewarding to see an effort so well received and know it is achieving its major goal—linking inner-city young people to parks and activities often far removed from their neighborhoods," said DCNR Secretary John Quigley. "These partnerships with city-based groups are opening new opportunities to connect our state parks with the citizens to whom these natural resources belong.

"We're hoping exciting outdoor adventure will not only make them frequent park visitors, but will teach them about diversity in the natural world so, as adults, they are lifelong stewards and make wise decisions about protecting our natural resources," Quigley added.

Participants range in age from 12 to 15 and already are involved in recreational programs in their communities. As part of the Youth Adventure Camp, participants will participate in activities such as team-building exercises, compass use/orienteering, photography, fishing, boating, climbing and rappelling, camping basics, and outdoor adventures.

The Youth Adventure Camp schedule, listed by area with the partnering organization, is as follows:

• Erie, Aug. 2-6, partnering with Bethesda Children's Home;
• Harrisburg, July 12-15, Chambersburg and Harrisburg Boys/Girls Clubs;
• Lehigh Valley area, June 21-25, Bethlehem Boys/Girls Club;
• Philadelphia, July 26-30, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department;
• Pittsburgh, July 19-23, Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation Department;
• Scranton, Aug. 2-6, United Neighborhood Centers;
• Warren, Aug. 16-19, Warren YMCA;
• Williamsport, July 12-15, Williamsport YMCA; and
• York, July 9-12, York City Recreation and Parks Bureau.      

For additional Adventure Camp details, contact Bureau of State Parks Natural Resource Specialist Chris Kemmerer at 717-425-5330. For information on any of Pennsylvania's 117 state parks, visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

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