You are here

Home » $701,000 Grant Helps Kids Learn More About National, State and Local Parks

$701,000 Grant Helps Kids Learn More About National, State and Local Parks

Share

Published Date

August 29, 2011

A $701,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation will help kids learn more about, and get more enjoyment out of, local, state, and national parks in North Carolina.

The grant went to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation’s Kids in Parks Program. With the money, the organization plans to expand the program into North Carolina’s state, county, and municipal parks, as well as  launch a National Technical Training and Resource Center for Kids in Parks.
 
In 2008, the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation and the Blue Ridge Parkway partnered with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation to form the Kids in Parks initiative. With the initial investment of $204,000 by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, the Kids in Parks program has been able to install 9 TRACK Trails, bring more than 35 partners together (including multiple state, federal and local agencies), and link public lands to each other and to the kids and families of the surrounding communities.
 
Because of the overwhelming success of the pilot program to get kids and families outdoors and reconnected to nature for their health and the health of our parks, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation is reinvesting in the Kids in Parks program with this $701,000 grant for the next three years. This grant is going to enable the Kids in Parks program to become a national model for the "no child left inside" movement, as well as expand the program across the state of North Carolina and the nation.
 
Jason Urroz, Director of the Kids in Parks program, said “We’re so excited to have partnered with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation for another three years. This grant is going to enable us to expand the program both within the state of North Carolina, and nationally. The program has come a long way over the last three years… I can’t wait to see where we are three years from now!”

“We believe that this investment will help us further our mission of improving the health and well-being of our fellow North Carolinians,” said Kathy Higgins, President of the BCBSNC Foundation. “It is important that we continue to support innovative and effective programs and services that help individuals and communities across the state.”

Superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Phil Francis said, “Thanks to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, this grant will allow us to connect to a new generation of stewards, while at the same time improving the overall health and wellness of those who participate.”

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.