Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger Parks Join President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition

Fifty-two national parks and thousands of Let’s Move Outside Junior Rangers are heading into autumn determined to keep families moving. The National Park Service and the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition are teaming up to encourage American families to add outdoor activity to their days.  While kids earn their Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger designation, every member of the family can work toward a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA).

“We want families to enjoy time outside participating in fun, healthy activities together. Getting fit really can be as easy as a walk in the park,” National Park Service Director Jon Jarvis said.  “Our Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger program was a big success throughout the summer, and now, through our partnership with the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, we are adding an incentive for the whole family.” Many Junior Ranger programs are offered after school and on weekends, so they are available year-round.

People of all ages who log physical activity at least five days per week for six weeks can earn a presidential certificate and other rewards.  And, the variety of fun activities at national parks will prevent the exercise doldrums.  Take the “Secret Service” fitness test at Eisenhower National Historic Site; go fishing or horseback riding at Missouri National Recreational River; or grab your helmet for a bike ride through the Marin Headlands at Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Fifty-two national parks, including 16 parks launching today, offer Let’s Move Outside Junior Ranger and will soon be distributing the PALA activity log.  Before heading out, visit www.nps.gov/aboutus/letsmove.htm for participating parks and activities. To download an activity log and learn more about the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, visit www.presidentschallenge.org.

Let’s Move Outside, (www.letsmove.gov/letsmoveoutside.php) led by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture, provides tools and information to parents to make it easy to enjoy the outdoors and be active. It is part of First Lady Michelle Obama’s nationwide campaign to end childhood obesity within a generation.

For more information, visit www.nps.gov.

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