PROVIDENCE - On Wednesday, July 1 at Champlin Scout Reservation, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Department of Environmental Management will host the second event of the 2015 Great Outdoors Pursuit. DEM and its partners will offer activities for children and families that teach skills, techniques and fun ways to explore more of the Ocean State's beautiful outdoor areas. The Champlin Scout Reservation is providing numerous activities that are fun for all ages, including fishing, row boats, archery and more.
The event will also include a rock wall, scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, and appearances by MaxMan, the Recycling Super Hero. A complete list is also available on the www.RIparks.com website.
The Rhode Island Great Outdoors Pursuit is a summer-long program that challenges children and their families to visit up to seven different facilities and take part in outdoor adventures and learn about environmental and health issues over a 12-week period. Participants earn points for each Pursuit event 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.
Four of the Pursuits take place on specific dates in set locations and are guided by DEM staff and their partners. Guided events 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. The 2015 guided events are listed at www.riparks.com/RIOutdoorsPursuit.
Following the July 1 event at Champlin Scout Reservation, 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.
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 project comes from the Rhode Island Department of Health, UnitedHealthcare, Fort Adams Trust, Verizon Fios, Clivus New England and other businesses. A full list of sponsors and partners appears on the program website.
For more information, contact Robert Paquette at (401)222-2632, email robert.paquette@dem.ri.gov or Terri Bisson at (401) 222-2776, ext. 4402, email at terri.bisson@dem.ri.gov.