President Bush has proclaimed June 2008 as “Great Outdoors Month.” In support of Great Outdoors Month, USA Freedom Corps is supporting events across the country to award deserving volunteers the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

During Great Outdoors Month, our Nation celebrates the grandeur of our open spaces, strengthens our commitment to preserving this heritage, and reaffirms our dedication to protecting our air, water, and lands. In support of Great Outdoors Month, June 14th has been designated National Get Outdoors Day, which is a new annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. On June 14, 2008, participants from dozens of federal agencies, non-profit organizations and the recreation industry will offer sites for American families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting our youth to the many exciting volunteer opportunities in the great outdoors.

For Volunteers

• Click here to to find a volunteer opportunity near you
      
• Take Pride in America is aimed at increasing volunteer service on America’s public lands. It is the goal of Take Pride to empower volunteers from every corner of America to maintain and enhance our natural, cultural, and historical sites.  Visit www.takepride.gov for more information.

For Organizations

• Honor outstanding volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award
      
• Want to host a Get Outdoors Day Event? Click here to find out more.

Proclamations

• President Bush Proclaims June 2008 as Great Outdoors Month

Related Proclamations

• National Park Week: During National Park Week, we underscore our commitment to conserving these magnificent places and recognize the many employees and volunteers who give their time and energy to keep them beautiful for all Americans to enjoy.
      
• National Safe Boating Week: During National Safe Boating Week, we raise awareness of the importance of practicing and promoting safe boating.
      
• National Oceans Month: During National Oceans Month, we reaffirm our commitment to protect and wisely use these precious waters and the habitat beneath them.

Additional Resources

• Visit www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org for news, locations and how to get involved with National Get Outdoors Day.
      
• Visit www.funoutdoors.com for information on the American Recreation Coalition, policies and issues, coalitions and initiatives.
      
• Visit www.getoutdoorsusa.org for more information on Get Outdoors USA! - the driving force behind a national movement to help our children seek out healthy, active outdoor lives and to embrace America's Great Outdoors.
      
• Visit www.nps.gov for information on history and culture, nature and science from the National Park Service.
      
• Visit www.fs.fed.us for more information on projects and policies, recreational activities, and research and development from the U.S. Forest Service.
      
• Visit www.fws.gov for information on conservation, legislation, policies, information quality, law enforcement, and much more from the