On July 3, Department of Education Secretary Dr. Khalid N. Mumin and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced the third annual Pennsylvania Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip, which provides virtual early learning and literacy activities for kids that inspire kids to read and learn more about the great outdoors.

The Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip is an eight-week virtual road trip throughout Pennsylvania, geared towards families with young children up to kindergarten age -- but easily adaptable for older kids.

Resources include the Road Trip Map and the Road Trip Travel Journal [both in Spanish and English] and highlight Pennsylvania State Parks and Libraries with book recommendations from librarians and family friendly activities.

Activities can be done anywhere -- so every family can take part, no matter where they live.

“Pennsylvania has an amazing park system with educators at most locations. This road trip is a great way to encourage learning and reading while exposing children to new ways to learn and new experiences in nature," ​said Department of Education Secretary Khalid Mumin. “Collaborating with our sister agencies to promote fun learning opportunities for Pennsylvania's youngest minds will help them stay engaged during the summer months when school is not in session."

“Outdoor education is a major part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Bureau of State Parks mission and we are excited to have eight state parks participate in this years' Summer Literacy Road Trip," said Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “This will help connect the newest generation of readers to the great outdoors, which will create memories and help to influence the next generation of nature enthusiasts. We look forward to welcoming visitors this summer to all 124 state parks across the Commonwealth."

Pennsylvania's Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip was developed by the Office of Child Development and Early Learning and all activities complement the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards and can be done anywhere.

“We are always trying to make learning and literacy more accessible and exciting to early learners and the Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip does all that and more," ​said The Office of Child Development and Early Learning Deputy Secretary Shante' Brown. “This virtual road trip is so much fun for the whole family and hopefully brings some education and nature into things you're already doing."

‘Slug In Love’ By Rachel Bright

This year's road trip theme represents elements from the 2024 Pennsylvania One Book selection, Slug in Love, by Rachel Bright.

Learn more by visiting the Pennsylvania Summer Learning and Literacy Road Trip webpage.

Visit Explore PA Trails and Get Outdoors PA for recreation areas near you.

Visit the PA Parks & Forests Foundation’s Events webpage and DCNR’s Calendar of Events for activities happening near you.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Related Articles:

-- New Bucknell University Study Reveals How Interactions In Nature Impact Stewardship  [PaEN]

-- Westmoreland Pollinator Partners, Penguin Court Invite Entries To 4th Annual Pennsylvania Pollinator Photo Challenge  [PaEN]

-- PA Resources Council Invites Entries Into Lens On Litter Photo Contest By Oct. 31

-- American Chestnut Foundation Invites Entries Into Annual Photo Contest By Sept. 1

-- PA iMapInvasives 2024 Invasive Species Scavenger Hunt Set For August; July 30 Webinar Training Available  [PaEN]

-- Discover How To Identify, Track Invasive Species Using iMapInvasives In Aug. 9 Penn State Extension Webinar  [PaEN]

[Posted: July 3, 2024]

7/8/2024