Friends of State Parks is focusing attention on getting students outside the classroom into our state parks. Our state parks preserve some of North Carolina’s greatest examples of geology, ecology and cultural history. Field trips give children meaningful experiences with these tangible resources. Their increased knowledge and improved attitudes towards history and science can have long-lasting effects.

Schools are finding it increasingly difficult to take students on nature outings and many families lack the resources to do this on their own. A challange the parks face is having enough staff to accommodate all the individuals and groups who want to participate in their programs.

Friends of State Parks has designed the Youth in Parks - Environmental Education (YIP-EE) project, envisioned as a partnership between a state park, the park’s friends group and a public school. Additional support may also come from environmental educators or those seeking environmental education certification to volunteer as assistant group leaders.

Join with FSP in bringing more Young People to the Parks for Education

Learn more about YIP-EE