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VNPA Funds Voyageurs Field Trips for Kids

Classroom field trips to Voyageurs National Park provide an important experiential learning opportunity for young people. But many schools lack bus transportation funding to bring students to and from the Park, despite teachers being  interested in the Environmental Education programs offered.

In 2010, Voyageurs National Park Association is sponsoring travel grants to schools in Minnesota and Ontario to offset the cost of visiting Voyageurs National Park. The unique Environmental Education Programs are led by staff naturalists and use the pristine landscape and rich history of the Park to teach curriculum-based lessons. National Parks are outstanding outdoor classrooms, and allow students of all ages to make deep and lasting real-world connections. The Education Prospectus can be viewed here: http://www.nps.gov/voya/forteachers/upload/2010_Education_Prospectus.pdf. 

Any school within 250 miles of Voyageurs National Park may apply for a travel grant, provided that at least 50% of the students are eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Lunch program. These grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and will be dispersed directly to schools. Teachers are welcome and encouraged to apply more than once, though multiple grants awarded to the same school will be slightly lowered to allow for more schools to participate. VNPA-sponsored travel grants will give students that have never been to, or even heard of, Voyageurs National Park the opportunity to learn and grow through outdoor education.

Teachers can apply for a travel grant and learn more about the Environmental Education Program on the Voyageurs National Park website at http://www.nps.gov/voya/forteachers/index.htm.

Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.