Pennsylvania state parks are about to become massive classrooms for kids and families looking to get more in touch with nature and hands-on educational activities. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that the agency will host over 30 educational programs in 24 state parks from May 2 - 22 to support the global Remake Learning Days festival, according to the Pennsylvania Pressroom.
Founded in 2016, Remake Learning Days aims to firmly connect children, families, and educators in a collaborative celebration of learning. The initiative has set to boldly task itself with helping the youth develop a sense of creativity, perseverance, and fun. “Our state parks and forests are open for healthy outdoor adventures in all four seasons, and we are hopeful that people use Remake Learning Days to explore what our public lands have to offer,” Dunn said, as per the Pennsylvania Pressroom.
This year’s Remake Learning Days lineup comes packed with a variety of themes that include Arts, Maker, Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology, and Youth Voice. Involving parks such as Bald Eagle and Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania is poised to turn its rich natural habitats into a dynamic learning environment.
State Parks Director John Hallas said, "We are excited to implement Remake Learning Days at Pennsylvania state parks and I am confident our amazing environmental educators and park staff will help our young people grow, building a connection to natural spaces," as stated by the Pennsylvania Pressroom. This news indicates a widespread effort to engage youth in outdoor settings, fostering a connection and appreciation for the Keystone State's diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
It's not just state parks getting in on the act; a laundry list of institutions, from schools to tech startups, are opening their doors to host events and foster learning. Most activities are family-friendly and free, ensuring that learning is accessible to all. The initiative is also being backed by the likes of The Grable Foundation at the global level, the Pennsylvania Department of Education across the Commonwealth, and through local sponsorships regionally.
