NEW YORK STATE — The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (NYS Parks) has released “The Explorer Club Activity Book,” a new publication for kids aged five-13.
The 24-page resource booklet contains information and puzzles about a variety of outdoor-related topics.
Designed to spark interest in the environment, the book teaches kids what different wildlife footprints look like; how to prepare for different weather conditions; and whether they should recycle, compost or throw away their rubbish.
Kids who complete all 24 activities will receive an iron-on patch after showing their completed activity booklet to a member of NYS Parks staff.
“With unique workbook-style activities and challenges, this new publication will entertain and inspire kids to ask questions and learn more about the natural world around them,” said Randy Simons, NYS Parks commissioner pro tempore. “We hope this booklet will serve as a resource for families to come together, unplug from their devices, and bond through outdoor exploration.”
The goal is for the book to serve as a resource to educate children on good stewardship practices, outdoor safety tips and what to be mindful of when visiting their local state parks. While the activities are geared toward children, much of the information contained in the booklet is also useful for guardians. “The Explorer Club plants the seed of conversation with readers and is meant to provide supplemental information during discussions about the environment,” a NYS Parks press release stated.
Explorer Club Activity Books are available free of cost to interested members of the public. Copies of the booklet can be found at all nature centers, campgrounds and most state parks.
Across the portfolio of 250 facilities that NYS Parks oversees, there are more than 25 nature centers staffed by environmental educators. Staff members coordinate with the agency’s Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning to host free programming in every region of the state. Available programs offer children, families, adults and school groups to opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors while learning about New York’s native plants, animals and geographic formations.
A full listing of nature centers can be found on the New York State Parks website, noted below, as well as information about events and programs on offer at state parks and state historic sites.
For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518/474-0456. Find the office on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP blog or via the OPRHP newsroom at www.parks.ny.gov/newsroom.