Engaging Youth from All Backgrounds in the Great Outdoors
Recreation Programs
Interior’s recreation programs take young people into the great outdoors where they can enjoy the natural world while hiking, fishing, hunting, and observing wildlife. Through these experiences young people have the opportunity to build relationships with their families, peers and communities. Parks, refuges and other public lands provide recreational opportunities to over 6 million youth throughout the year. The Camping Adventure with My Parents program, for example, brings urban families from underserved communities in Seattle to camp at Mount Rainer and learn about our natural world while enjoying nights around the campfire with their families.
Take Pride In America
Take Pride in America®, is a nationwide partnership program authorized by Congress to promote the appreciation and stewardship of our nation’s public lands. The Take Pride in America program is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior engaging tens of thousands of young Americans each year in community service programs in parks, refuges, and other public lands. In support of President Obama and Secretary Salazar’s call to service, Take Pride in America led Interior’s United We Serve initiative.
For additional information about the Youth in the Great Outdoors Initiative please e-mail us at DOIyouthprogram@pmb.doi.gov. For additional information on bureau-specific programs related to youth and education, please visit the following sites:
- Bureau of Indian Education
Contact: Fredericka Joseph, (202) 208-5116 - Bureau of Land Management
Contact: Mary Tisdale, 202-912-7450 - Bureau of Reclamation
Contact: Becky Fulkerson, (202) 513-0638 - Minerals Management Service:
Contact: Keith Good, (202) 208-3801 - National Park Service
Contact: George McDonald, (202) 513-7146 - Office of Surface Mining
Contact: Khalia Boyd, (202) 208-2823 - Take Pride in America
Contact: Lisa Young, (202) 208-7586 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Contact: Fish and Wildlife Service - United States Geological Survey
Contact: S. Kaye Cook, (703) 648-7440