Anna Maria Chávez, CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA, has some exciting news to share about our commitment to ensuring all girls have access to the outdoors.
Today, I had the incredible opportunity to join President Obama, Interior Secretary Sally Jewel, and other federal park officials in announcing a major new White House initiative to ensure every fourth grader in America has access to a national park. The “Every Kid in a Park” program, which is part of a buildup to the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, will give every fourth-grade student and their family free access to national parks and other public lands for a year.
Today, I had the incredible opportunity to join President Obama, Interior Secretary Sally Jewel, and other federal park officials in announcing a major new White House initiative to ensure every fourth grader in America has access to a national park. The “Every Kid in a Park” program, which is part of a buildup to the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016, will give every fourth-grade student and their family free access to national parks and other public lands for a year.
With more than 80 percent of American families living in urban areas, the program will ensure that every child in America has an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and the educational opportunities offered by our National Park System. It is truly amazing for Girl Scouts, as a leader in the outdoor space, to have the opportunity to partner with the White House on this important initiative.

Girl Scouts is committed to continuing to
provide girls with outdoor opportunities, a commitment we renewed for our new
triennium as we prepare to roll out new outdoor badges and programs. This recognition as a leading authority on
youth and the outdoors is all thanks to the work you do every day to provide
girls with unique outdoor adventures, from camping, to community recycling
activities, to Gold Award projects centered on sustainable energy.