Kayaking, biking, fishing and other outdoor activities don’t have to be off-limits for Pennsylvania’s wounded service members and veterans, thanks to a special event from the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation and Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County.

“Pinchot Outdoors Day - The Outdoors is for Everyone!” is a free day for service members and their families to try accessible forms of recreation, improve their skills and enjoy Pennsylvania’s great outdoors.

The military outdoors day will be held on September 7, at Gifford Pinchot State Park in the Conewago Day Use area from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

PPFF President Marci Mowery says, “Parks and forests are a great way to connect with family and friends and have also been shown to improve health and reduce stress. We wanted to support the men and women who have served by creating a day of fun and creating memories.”

Mowery says she believes this wide-ranging event will be the first of its kind at a state park in Pennsylvania, and hopes to make it an annual affair.

Activities include handcycling, adaptive kayaking, fly fishing, disc golf, hiking, yoga, children’s games, painting, therapy horses, outdoor photography, campfire cooking, nature journaling, geocaching, rowing and more.

Experts in accessible recreation, such as the Two Top Mountain Adaptive Sports Foundation and Heroes on the Water will be on hand for instruction and support. Participants are also welcome to bring their own gear.

In addition to the activities there will be demonstrations by service and search and rescue dogs and presentations on outdoor safety, hands-on activities and games for children and more than 20 exhibitors. Exhibits range from outdoor recreational opportunities to benefits information that might be of interest to attendees.

The event is made possible in part by support from the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and through the support of various local businesses.

For those who wish to get involved, volunteers are still needed for various jobs at the event. Last minute exhibitors are also welcome to contact the Foundation about participating.

For information, visit PA Parks & Forests Foundation website or check out the Foundation’s  Facebook page.

9/2/2013