Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encourages all fourth-graders to visit the park for free this year as part of the Every Kid in a Park program.
The program gives fourth-grade students, and those accompanying them, free access to more than 2,000 public lands and waters nationwide for a year.
“We reached nearly 700 students and their ohana last year through the Every Kid in a Park initiative,” said park ranger Noah Gomes. “I know we can triple that number this year and get all our island fourth-grade keiki to ‘Find Your Park’ as we celebrate 100 years of connecting with and caring for this very special place.”
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses 333,086 acres and stretches from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa at nearly 14,000 feet. It is home to two of Earth’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa, as well as numerous native plant and animal species. The park connects people to the Hawaiian culture through many free programs and the place names that perpetuate a sacred landscape.
The Every Kid in a Park pass — which features a new design for this year’s students — is valid for a full calendar year from the time of issue.
The pass grants free entry for fourth-graders and up to three accompanying adults (or an entire car for drive-in parks) to most federally managed lands and waters, including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and marine sanctuaries.
The newly expanded Every Kid in a Park website has links to educational activities, trip planning, field trip options, the downloadable pass and additional information in English and Spanish. After completing a fun educational activity, the child can download and print a pass. The paper pass can be traded for the more durable pass at participating federal sites nationwide.
Every Kid in a Park is part of President Barack Obama’s commitment to protect the nation’s unique outdoor spaces and ensure every American has the opportunity to visit and enjoy them.
The program, entering its second year, is a call to action for children to experience America’s spectacular outdoors, rich history and culture.
For more information, visit www.everykidinapark.gov and follow the program on Twitter @everykidinapark, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
For additional information about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visit www.nps.gov/havo.
