Military service members, veterans and their families are invited to a free day of recreation at Gifford Pinchot State Park on September 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with the PA Parks and Forests Foundation.

Families can try a wide variety of outdoor pursuits, including kayaking, rowing, nature photography, disc golf, hand-crank bicycling, fishing and more at no cost. The event takes place at the Conewago Day Use Area, off Alpine Rd. in Wellsville, PA.

Now in its second year, Military and Families Appreciation Day: Returning to the Outdoors is designed for attendees to explore new kinds of recreation, enjoy the outdoors together, and learn about adaptive recreation opportunities for all who may have suffered injuries in the line of service.

“The goal is to inspire peers, families and friends to get outdoors by raising awareness of their options, providing hands-on training in a variety of recreational pursuits, and make adaptive equipment more readily available,” PPFF President Marci Mowery says. “We are thrilled to bring back this event for a second year and welcome all military families to come out and spend a special day at the park.”

More than 25 organizations will provide information and activities to try throughout the day. Activity leaders and exhibitors include Heroes on the Water-Central PA Chapter, Susquehanna Service Dogs, IAM ABLE Foundation, Summit Search and Rescue, Above Limits, Total Outdoors, Department of Military & Veterans Affairs Mobile Outreach Bus, Lebanon VA, PA National Guard, and many more. There will also be a free luncheon for attendees, donated by Mission BBQ restaurant.

Registration is encouraged, but not required for the event. Folks can learn more and sign-up for lunch online. They can also find the event on Facebook.

9/1/2014