The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) invites Rhode Islanders to reconnect with the great outdoors, get active and have fun by joining the 2015 Great Outdoors Pursuit.
"As a mom with two young children, I feel fortunate to live in a state that offers so many ways for families to enjoy the outdoors together," said Governor Gina Raimondo. "The Great Outdoors Pursuit is a healthy, fun way for families like mine to spend time with each other this summer and try something new."
"The Great Outdoors Pursuit is a wonderful opportunity for Rhode Island families to explore our beautiful state," said First Gentlemen Andy Moffit. "We look forward to participating this summer, and we urge Rhode Islanders to join us."
Teams of children and adults will be challenged to visit different facilities and take part in outdoor adventures and learn about environmental and health issues over a 12-week period. They earn points for each "Pursuit" they attend and can win prizes valued up to $1,000 at the Grand Finale. Each team must include a minimum of two people - one member over age 18 and one member under age 18. There is no limit on the number of members that each team may have.
"Rhode Island is blessed with outstanding natural areas where families can enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of outdoor recreation," says DEM Director Janet Coit. "Our Great Outdoors Pursuit encourages families to visit our state parks and try healthy outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, hiking, paddling, and fishing."
Four of the Pursuits take place on specific dates in set locations and are led by DEM staff and their partners. Guided Pursuits include free outdoor adventures such as biking, hiking, nature walks, fitness challenges, kayaking, fishing and rock climbing. They also include music, environmental and health-related exhibits and free raffles, give-a-ways and samples. 2015 guided events are as follow:
• Pursuit #1 - Saturday, June 13- Lincoln Woods State Park, 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Co-sponsored by UnitedHealthcare, this event will include an option for registered families to camp overnight in the Park as part of a national Capital Campout program with evening activities and include participation by Rhode Island's First Family - Governor Gina M. Raimondo, First Gentleman Andy Moffit and their two children. • Pursuit #2 - Wednesday, July 1 - Champlin Scout Reservation, Cranston, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Co-sponsored by the Boy Scouts of Rhode Island. • Pursuit #3 - Sunday, July 26- Rocky Point State Park, Warwick, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants will explore Rhode Island's newest state park! • Pursuit #4 (Grand Finale) - Saturday, August 8 - Burlingame State Campground, Charlestown. Grand prizes will be awarded at this event and will include a free overnight camping option with evening activities for registered families.
Specific happenings and programs will be posted two to three weeks prior to each event.
The remaining three Pursuits are self-guided. Teams select events and activities from a list provided by DEM and do them on their own time. Teams then provide proof of visit to receive credit. Self-guided options will be announced at Lincoln Woods on June 13.
Registration is free. Teams that register are eligible for prizes. Everyone, even if they don't register, is welcome to come to the events and enjoy the fun and educational activities. Nearly 2,000 people participated last year! To register or learn more, please visit www.riparks.com/RIOutdoorsPursuit.
Support for the program comes from partners, including UnitedHealthcare, Verizon, Clivus New England, Fort Adams Trust and Coast 93.3.
Please contact Robert Paquette at (401) 667-6200, email robert.paquette@dem.ri.gov or Terri Bisson at (401) 222-2776, ext. 4402, email at terri.bisson@dem.ri.gov for more information.