Much like horses out of the starting gates, I knew about 5 folks (myself included) who were poised and ready this morning, waiting for the proverbial bell to ring. Stalking the computer, hitting refresh, ready to go when the moment is right.
On your mark....Get set....Park Quest!
Last year, "Team Dabrowka's" Park Quest antics were shared here, and shared often. This year, under the new and creatively-improved name "Team Green Gators," more sharing shall continue.
"Park Quest," you ponder, "what is this?"
Brainchild of Maryland's Department of Natural Resources and a growing MD phenomenon since 2008, Park Quest invites families to come together to come outside and play in their state parks. Combining the philosophy of Richard Louv's Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit Disorder with the No Child Left Inside Coalition, 
Maryland challenges all with "Park Quest: Where A Family Becomes a Team." Challenges, outdoor adventures, letterboxing, geocaching, history hikes, biking, canoeing, and more all make up the fun called Maryland Park Quest. From Mother's Day to the finale in September, summer fun awaits...and for free--but only if you're registered!
Maryland challenges all with "Park Quest: Where A Family Becomes a Team." Challenges, outdoor adventures, letterboxing, geocaching, history hikes, biking, canoeing, and more all make up the fun called Maryland Park Quest. From Mother's Day to the finale in September, summer fun awaits...and for free--but only if you're registered!So, to be fair, there has to be a uniform start to registration because only 1000 spots (up from last year's 750) are open. This morning, April 25th, around 9 am, the bell rang and the gates opened up.
On your mark....Get set....Park Quest![Woo hoo...We were the triumphant Team #330!]
Clearly, more than just my 5 friends were ready and raring with their teams. The Park Quest Facebook page had equally-ready stalkers and victorious announcements all day long about team names and the number they ranked on the sign up! By 9:40 pm sign up day (aka, as I write), latest Facebook ranking placed teams up to #896. Not too shabby for a 12-hour stint. My guess, if we were to place bets, team #1000 will happen prior to midnight, perhaps with a few beads of sweat on their brow. My #330 feels like a pretty comfy spot!
So, mid-May, let the games begin, and the Park Quest stories to follow! Hats off to Maryland State Parks and another year of fun ahead!
To learn more about Park Quest, check out http://www.dnr.state.md.us/parkquest/.
PQ Image from http://www.dnr.state.md.us/parkquest/
Horses at gate image from http://onwingsofpigs.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html
MD 330 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maryland_Route_330
Straight from the Park Quest Facebook Page:
ReplyDeletePark Quest registration reached capacity at 11:15 a.m. this morning. In just over 24 hours, 1,000 families registered for the Park Quest outdoor adventure family program! We see returning teams ready for the challenge and many new families as well. Park Quest Passports will be mailed to all registered families the week of May 2nd. Good luck to all the teams.
To become a FB fan of PQ...go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Park-Quest-Maryland/129931197022579?ref=ts