Camp Hill, PA –The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF), the only non-profit whose mission is Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests announced the kick off of a new donor-funded transportation scholarship program, Wilderness Wheels. This program was made possible by a challenge grant from the Greater Harrisburg Foundation, a regional foundation of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities and donors to the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.
One of the greatest barriers for both young and old to participate in outdoor recreation is lack of transportation. The Wilderness Wheels program will help remove that barrier by supplying transportation to Pennsylvania state parks and forests to eligible groups for educational opportunities and outdoor experiences. This new scholarship program will offer a new way to access the outdoors, helping to create lifelong healthy living skills and developing outdoor leadership.
“Spending time in the outdoors is good for human physical and mental health,” said Marci Mowery, President of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation. “Outdoor classrooms provide a means for students to apply their knowledge outside of the classroom, adding meaning to what they are learning.”
Eligible groups include students in grades k-12 at Title 1 schools or participating in community enrichment programs, and seniors attending programs at local senior centers. Initial funding is limited to the greater Harrisburg area, with program expansion throughout the state as additional funds are received. The visit must be a part of a larger learning experience focused on environmental education, leadership, team building, or outdoor recreation skill building.
To apply for a grant or to support the scholarship program with a donation go to http://bit.ly/PPFFBusScholarships