Youth in Parks - Environmental Education (YIP-EE)
FSP has designed the Youth in Parks - Environmental Education (YIP-EE) project focusing attention on getting students outside the classroom into our state parks. It requires a partnership between a state park, the park’s friends group and a public school to support Field trips. FSP wants Friends groups to be key players in helping plan and implement a YIPEE project along with the park staff and school representatives. It is hoped, where feasible, an additional level of support will come from environmental educators or those seeking environmental education certification to volunteer as assistant group leaders.
Friends of State Parks is focusing attention on getting students outside the classroom into our state parks. Our state parks preserve some of North Carolina’s greatest examples of geology, ecology and cultural history. Field trips give children meaningful experiences with these tangible resources. Their increased knowledge and improved attitudes towards history and science can have long-lasting effects. |
Schools are finding it increasingly difficult to take students on nature outings and many families lack the resources to do this on their own. A challange the parks face is having enough staff to accommodate all the individuals and groups who want to participate in their programs.
Friends of State Parks has designed the Youth in Parks - Environmental Education (YIP-EE) project, envisioned as a partnership between a state park, the park’s friends group and a public school. Additional support may also come from environmental educators or those seeking environmental education certification to volunteer as assistant group leaders.
YIP-EE Letter to Parks and Friends Groups
Join with FSP in bringing more Young People to the Parks for Education
Here's a general list of some of the many curriculum standards that can be met by a field trip to a park: State Parks and Curriculum Standards (PDF)
Find more information about State Park field trips at NCParks.gov
YIP-EE in Action
Photos from a FSP sponsored field trip to Eno River State Park in April 2012
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
Project Goal:
* To foster in young people a love and understanding of nature and an appreciation of their role as stewards of the environment. Key Partners: * North Carolina Friends of State Parks * State park superintendent and park naturalists Funding: NC Friends of State Parks (FSP) is providing grants each school year to offset the cost of transportation to the park and for healthy snacks. Field Trip Planning Guidelines For more information or to apply for a grant, you may contact Friends of State Parks, YIP-EE Committee. email: YIP-EE@ncfsp.org
|