Reader Participation Day: Will A Rap Video Connect Younger Generations With National Parks?

Published Date

December 22, 2010

Is a rap video a good way to get inner city youth interested in national parks?

Introducing younger generations to the wonders and riches of the national parks -- the natural, historical, and cultural resources -- is key if future advocates for the parks are to be nurtured. But how best can the National Park Service accomplish that task?

The Park Service at New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park in Massachusetts recently collaborated on a rap video for its Youth Ambassador Program, one titled Get Outside and Move!

In this particular video, "a team of motivated young people ... communicate with their fellow peers about New Bedford's diverse history through music and video."

With lots of images of skate parks and basketball courts and few obvious national park settings or historical connections, does this video succeed?

Should the Park Service be more obvious in pointing to the beauty of the parks, the recreational opportunities that lie within, the abundant cultural and natural history, and the need to preserve these spaces? Or is simply addressing the need for youth to get outside enough?

We're particularly interested in hearing from 20-somethings and younger, so please pass this on.

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Reader Participation Day

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Comments

Submitted by admin on December 22, 2010 - 12:38pm.

Can't watch the New Bedford video from here so can't comment on that, but the Everglades rap video is awesome:

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/17/1778867/teens-rap-on-virtues-of-ev...

I'm all for whatever connects people to their parks, as long as both are respected.

Submitted by admin on December 22, 2010 - 1:18pm.

As a 20-something, I think this video is pretty good. Song is catchy, there's a little humor (kid dressed up as a historic figure) and I like that diverse youth are conveying the message. However, I think it could use a little more humor and it's too long. Kids are bombarded with videos and media messages every day. You have to grab and hold their attention quickly. I don't think "Get Outside" is enough to foster future park stewards, but it is definitely the first step. Gotta start somewhere.

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