I have always love nature. I love camping and hiking and being out there getting dirty. Years ago I discover Letterboxing and got hooked on it. It's like hiking with a purpose, I feel like a treasure hunter when I'm out there reading and deciphering the clues we have to follow. The amount of letterboxes in the area I live blew my mind, and I visited places I would have never known existed..
About a year ago, I heard about the Passport to the National Parks Program. I was already visiting the parks and historic places, so why not collect the stamps? I bought my passport book and started collecting stamps. Then I stumbled into Parkstamps.org, the website for the National Parks Travelers Club. Those who know me well know that I am as geeky as they come, so of course I had to join. That is how I discovered that there are stamps that you won't get unless you ask for them.
About a month ago, while reading posts in the forums of the club's website, I read about the Capitol Collection, a passport program for the capitol buildings of all 50 states. And in case you're wondering, of course i bought the passport book! I didn't know that there are tours in most of the them, and that they are open to the public.
Today, after messaging with a member of the club, I discovered that there are other passport collecting programs. The United States Lighthouse Society sponsors the Lighthouse Passport Program. The National Wildlife Refuge Systems also has a passport stamp program, called Blue Goose Passport.
The passports are not expensive and it is a great way to discover and learn about the places around us. Also a great way to keep the kids entertained during vacation. I want to note here that the National Parks have a Junior Ranger Program for the kids. There are activities at each park that they have to finish and they earn a certificate and a patch. Through the activities they have to complete, kids learn about the parks history, and also how to conserve and preserve the parks for the enjoyment of generations to come. Some of the parks offer the program to adults too.
As we cuddle up in warm blankets, we can start dreaming and planning trips to the different parks Explore what's around you and learn about the history of our country, keeping in mind that the goal is to preserve this places so that future generations can also learn and enjoy them.
I can't wait for spring!
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