National Park Partners and the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park have been awarded an Open OutDoors for Kids grant from the National Park Foundation. “Innovative Immersive Adventures at Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park” will engage students, families, and the community throughout the region in national social studies standards through the lens of local history, landmarks, parks and people.
Collaborative partnerships will support immersion opportunities for area fourth and fifth graders with innovative resources, including maps, augmented reality experiences, and unique community activities.
“Our National Park places shaped the story of our city, from ancient indigenous footprints on Moccasin Bend to events surrounding the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement," says NPP Executive Director Tricia Mims. “We are committed to connecting area students and their families to these and other relevant landmarks across the community, with the goal of inspiring a sense of pride and ownership in co-creating the next chapters of Chattanooga's story."
A fall break camp, “Legends of Chattanooga” will be hosted in collaboration with the Chattanooga Historical Society at RISE Chattanooga from Oct. 10-14. This free half-day camp will engage students in the history of the men and women who paved the way, challenged boundaries, and fought for rights. Community-based field trips will connect students to the people and the history of the places familiar to area students. Hosted in partnership with the Chattanooga Historical Society (PicNooga) and RISE Chattanooga, students at this free camp will enjoy field trips to Audubon Acres, the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Chattanooga Ducks with 4th grade-aligned social studies lessons connected to American history.
“We hope to use these immersive opportunities to connect learning and success with the National Parks and historic landmarks in their own communities,” says project manager Jennifer Crutchfield. “National Parks and green spaces can be extensions of learning and fun that families don’t realize are right in their own backyards.”
Students, families, and the community will be engaged throughout the year in this unique outreach program with parades and scavenger hunt events at MAINX24 and other signature community festivals. Fans of the “Wayne-O-Rama” project hosted by Shaking Ray Levi Society will be thrilled to know that a selection of the works of art will be a part of the “Legends of Chattanooga” fall break camp and MAINX24 parade float.
Additional information, including volunteer opportunities, is available online at NPPCHA.org.