National Park Unveils ‘Wild’ Award For Families This Summer

The North York Moors National Park Authority has announced the launch of an award designed to help families discover and explore wild places.

The National Park’s Family John Muir Award will be kicking off from 21 July and is anticipated to be a great way to spend some time with the kids this summer, whether at home or in the North York Moors.

The scheme is an offshoot of the internationally recognised John Muir Award, an environmental award scheme that encourages people to connect with, enjoy and care for wild places.

Heather McNiff, Head of Education and Youth Engagement at the Authority said: “For many of us the desire to get out and explore nature has gone through the roof, particularly since we have all been stuck at home. So why not get involved with this fun and challenging scheme and help your children learn what it means to enjoy and protect nature.”

To achieve the Family John Muir Award everyone taking part needs to complete four exciting challenges:

Discover a wild place
Explore its wildness
Conserve its wildlife
Share experiences

The wild places can be a backyard or garden, local parks, beaches, woods or rivers and doesn't have to be in the National Park. Families will have to commit to a minimum of 30 hours spent in their wild place, perfect for the long summer holiday.

Heather added: “If you’re planning on staycationing this summer make sure you give this a try. There’s plenty of activities to occupy eager young minds and it will really help you and your family get the most out of our wonderfully wild spaces.”

The award isn't competitive but is still designed to challenge each participant, particularly energetic little ones; each family will receive a certificate at the end. Families of any shape or size can get involved, including extended family, carers, guardians and foster families. It is ideal for families with children aged 4 and upwards.

Families with receive regular updates on ideas to get discovering, exploring and conserving and a dedicated Facebook page has been set up to help them share their experiences and discoveries. Taking part is completely free, including access to lots of fun resources.

To find out more visit www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/familyjohnmuiraward or contact the National Park’s education team here: familyjma@northyorkmoors.org.uk.