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"Explore the Outdoors" Offers Summer of Fun

Outdoor activity program just for kids kicks off at special event at Alum Creek State Park on Saturday, May 10

The Explore the Outdoors Activity Book will be distributed to Ohio school children this spring.The Ohio Department of Natural Resource's new "Explore the Outdoors" statewide campaign challenges Ohio kids -- especially those in grades K-5 -- to turn off their televisions, computers and PlayStations this summer and rediscover the fun and excitement of outdoor recreation. The National Park Service, Audubon Ohio, Wayne National Forest, American Heart Association, Leave No Child Inside, the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, Ohio Metro and County Parks and the state departments of Health and Education are lending financial and in-kind support to the effort.

"We want this campaign to ignite interest in the outdoors and help children experience the benefits of being connected with their natural world," said Director Logan.

A 4x5-inch activity guide is the cornerstone of the campaign. Nearly 800,000 will be distributed to public school students during the week of May 12. Each colorfully illustrated guide includes 10 outdoor activities such as "Catch a Fish," "Hike A Trail," "Spot A Bird," etc., and challenges the user to complete eight of them at an Ohio park, forest or nature preserve. A list of facilities is located in the back of the booklet.

Children are urged to visit these facilities between May 10 and September 1 to find a special code found on the "Explore the Outdoors" posters at welcome centers and kiosks.

For each activity completed, children should record the special code in the guide. Students who complete any eight activities can enter the corresponding codes online at exploretheoutdoorsohio.com to receive a certificate of completion signed by Governor Ted Strickland. The first 1,000 students to obtain an online certificate will also be eligible to receive a Coleman mini companion lantern. Coleman also provided financial support for the printing of the guide.

Alum Creek State Park will host the May 10 kick off. The day's scheduled activities include a youth fishing demonstration, wildflower hike and canoeing. Governor Strickland and a group of celebrity sports figures will lead a youth wild turkey hunt near Zanesville on the same day.