WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today echoed the sentiments of President Bush’s proclamation declaring this National Park Week and encouraged everyone to take time out of their week and experience our national parks.
“Today, at the start of National Park Week, I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the beauty, majesty, and history of our country’s 390 national parks,” Secretary Kempthorne said. “With activities scheduled for people of all ages, I hope everyone takes this opportunity to see again just how wonderful our national parks truly are.”
National Park Week is an annual, Presidentially proclaimed week for celebration and recognition of the country’s 390 National Parks. Parks across the country will be hosting events throughout the week from hikes, to picnics, to family and kids days, culminating in Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 28.
“In particular, I encourage parents to bring their children to the parks,” Secretary Kempthorne said. “National Junior Ranger Day is Saturday, and the national parks will be hosting activities specifically geared toward engaging children and helping them experience the breadth of opportunities available. Whether walking in the wilderness, learning about our country’s history, or just enjoying the sites, sounds, and smells of our parks, National Junior Ranger Day is a perfect chance to get children outside and involved in stimulating activities.”
National Junior Ranger Day is part of this year’s commemoration of National Park Week. Children who cannot visit a park in person are invited to take part in “WebRanger” activities, including a special National Park Week scavenger hunt available on-line from April 22 to 28 at www.nps.gov/webranger. The website also allows kids to set up a ranger station, view live action cams, share stories and pictures, and earn a certificate.
For additional information on National Park Week and for National Park Week activities in your area, please visit http://www.nps.gov/npweek/.