Partnership provides opportunities for area students to visit Congaree National Park

Congaree National Park lies in the heart of South Carolina’s midlands region with 25 miles of trails, beautiful forests with champion trees, and a wide variety of wildlife.  It is a place to visit, to explore, and to learn.  For students in the rural counties of Clarendon, Williamsburg and Sumter it is now part of their educational experience thanks to a partnership between the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the National Park Foundation (NPF) and Congaree National Park staff.  

Park staff worked with closely with NCNW chapter member Carrie Sinkler-Parker to secure an NPF grant which provided funding to cover transportation costs to get students out to Congaree National Park.   The goal was to get all of the 4th grade students from the three counties to the park.  “These kids are from rural communities who just wouldn’t have this opportunity otherwise,“ said Sinkler-Parker.  “Congaree is their park too.  We want them to be able to experience this beautiful place and learn about its history.”  Throughout the months of March and April, 972 students visited the park as part of the partnership.  While at the park the students all participated in the Junior Ranger program and were presented badges during a swearing in ceremony at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center.

The students are part of a nationwide effort referred to as Every Kid in a Park, which strives to engage area youth and get them out to parks.  “Connecting with the kids is a really important part of what we do,” said Park Ranger Greg Cunningham, “They are the future stewards of America’s National parks.”

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