Celebrate Centennial Fourth Grade Week in Acadia National Park

Date: August 16, 2016
Contact: John Kelly, 207-288-8703

The National Park Service (NPS) invites teachers to bring their fourth grade class to ranger-led educational field trips in Acadia National Park from September 12 to 16. Teachers can learn more about the programs and register for field trips at https://www.nps.gov/acad/learn/field-trips-and-school-programs.htm

NPS Centennial funding and support from Friends of Acadia will allow additional fourth grade field trips this fall, including:

• Sailing a four­-masted schooner on Frenchman Bay and learning about historic waterways.
• Traveling by boat to a historic homestead and lighthouse on Baker Island.
• Discovering the lesser-­known side of the park with a boat ride to the Schoodic Peninsula.
• Cruising to the Cranberry Isles to learn about island life at the Islesford Museum.
• Exploring the geology on and around at Sand Beach.
• Visiting the historic Carroll Homestead for a glimpse into the life of children in the 1850s.

Programs are open to any public school, but priority will be given to fourth grade classes that have never visited Acadia. Space is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis so register early! Transportation assistance is available to cover either bus costs or ferry costs.

"Over 800 Maine fourth graders participated in this program in June 2016," said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. "Some kids saw the ocean for the first time, while others took their first boat ride around Acadia National Park. We want all kids to have meaningful experiences in our national parks so they know these special places are preserved for them and all Americans."

Every fourth grader has the opportunity to become Acadia Centennial Junior Ranger even if they are not attending a field trip to the park.Students may download, print, and complete a workbook in the classroom at https://www.nps.gov/acad/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm. Teachers can then send an email to [e-mail] with a list of students completing the workbook and a photo of the group to receive Acadia Centennial Junior Ranger prizes.

The "Acadia 100 Challenge" is another chance for students to learn about the park and celebrate its centennial by creating a class project about Acadia that fits the theme of "100." Participants may register at http://www.acadiacentennial2016.org/our-events/acadia-100-challenge and submit the projects to earn a free centennial item and become eligible to receive a free trip to Acadia for their entire class.

Another great opportunity to enjoy the park this centennial year is the "Every Kid in a Park" free entry pass. Visit https://www.everykidinapark.gov to register and print a paper form to be redeemed for a free entrance pass at Acadia and other public lands. Entrance passes will be available beginning September 1 for kids entering fourth grade and are valid for free entry for the whole family traveling in the vehicle with the child through August 31, 2017.

If you have any questions about the programs, please contact us at e-mail us or 207-288-8822/8823.