Reverse the Graying of the National Parks

We just finished reading the USA Today Story about the average age of those going to the parks and the need to get today’s youth into the national parks if we ever want them to become their future stewards. For 6 years we have tried to connect with the National Park Service in an attempt to solve one of their biggest problems. We, American Wanderer Summer Camp, have been preaching the same thing and doing it! 

This isn’t something new to anyone that has been in the “iconic” parks.  We found out early on that your parents were much more likely to have visited the National Parks than our generation and that our kids are even less likely to have visited them.  Whether by luck or divine intervention we were fortunate enough to have taken our children across the country to see most of the “iconic” parks in 2006.  The timing was perfect; the kids were 8 and 10, the only ages where they were old enough to appreciate it and young enough to spend that much time with their parents. We’ve heard it a thousand times, I’m going to take my kids one day to see the parks, to date we know of only 2 families that have done it, the rest missed the boat. We found tons of foreigners both European and Asian but very few Americans and even fewer American kids, hence the formation of American Wanderer Summer Camp. 

We have taken all kinds of kids to the parks, from suburban, the inner city, kids of the military active duty, the guard, wounded warriors and even kids from other countries. Don’t get us started about foreigners appreciating our national treasures more than we do! Thanks to those that went before us, and their infinite wisdom, they saw the benefit of these parks for every American not only as a form of recreation but as a life changing experience. John Muir stated it best over a hundred years ago and it couldn’t be more relevant today; “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity; and that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”

Simply put American Wanderer does it and we do it well. We take middle school and high school age kids to explore the National Parks and their surroundings. We believe all children should learn about the natural wonders of America. Together, one child at a time, we can make the world a better place for them and all of us by creating the future stewards of our National Parks and the planet.

Walk with us and learn that which you cannot read about in a book or experience through a picture or movie. We ignite a spark of passion within every camper by opening their eyes to the wonders all around. Expand your horizons and explore these magnificent wonders.

We defy you to watch our 5 Minute Park Fix and not be amazed by the wonders in our back yard, it always brings us back to earth. If you really want a shiver up your spine, listen to our good friend Chris Plummer talk about nature, in an excerpt of a longer video he did for us, reading part of Teddy Roosevelt’s dedication of the Northern Arch at Yellowstone.

For information about our success with connecting teens with the National Parks, please contact: TheKimberlys@AmericanWanderer.com

Just a little common sense PLEASE!

The ranchers and others filed a lawsuit seeking to halt the relocation program argued that wild bison damage fences, eat hay meant for cattle, and potentially spread disease.  The real lawsuit should be filed by the Buffalo.  The ranchers erect non osha fences, eat native grasses and are all imported from other countries potentially spreading foreign disease.  Wouldn't it be nice if someone could show just an once of common sense!
Montana Judge blocks more Yellowstone bison moves

Saguaro National Park in Tucson is discontinuing the sale of disposable bottled water and soda.

Another win against trash in the National Parks.  Don't think I'm some kind of "Green Freak", I just don't like people trashing Mother Nature for the rest of US!
Plastic Bottle Ban

Parks urge caution as bears emerge from hibernation

We saw this bear last summer crossing the Yellowstone river just up stream from Artists Point. Later that day on the way back to camp we saw a Grizzly crossing the road, looked as big as a pickup truck, magnificent animals best observed from the safety of a truck.
Bears come out of hibernation


Favorite hikes in the National Parks
Grand Canyon National Park, North Rim - The North Kaibab Trail is a must do every summer at camp. Yosemite National Park - we biked and hiked Yosemite in 2006. If you want to get away from the people you must see Hetch Hetchy Valley, a smaller more remote version of Yosemite Valley. Zion National Park - The River Walk is voted every year by our campers as the #1 hike of the summer. You actually hike in the Virgin River up the canyon into the Narrows. If you're going to any of the parks call us and we'll be glad to give you the list of our favorite hikes.
Great hiking trails

Moki Dugway

• April 16-24
  (National Park Week)
• June 21
  (First day of summer)

Many National Parks, Monuments, Forests and Historic Places don’t charge an entrance fee anyway so check before you go.