One of the programs included in Governor Rell's special initiative "No Child Left Inside" is the Great Park Pursuit! Coordinated by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, the Great Park Pursuit is a contest designed to promote outside activities and create greater awareness and use of the Connecticut State Park System. The contest is held over a seven week period with registered teams consisting of at least two members, one of which is over the age of 18 and the other under 18. Teams were encouraged to decode hints on the "No Child Left Inside" website to determine which state park the next event was to be held. The state park locations were always revealed prior to the event, just in case your team could not decipher them. A wide range of both guided and self-guided activities were included, determined by the setting of the state park. From canoing and kite making at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison, letter-boxing and hiking at Salmon River State Forest in Colchester and or Talcott Mountain State Park in Bloomfield. The seven week event culminated last weekend with an overnight camp out and a bon fire at Peoples' State forest in Barkhamsted. I think this is a great way to get people to explore and enjoy all of the natural beauty and wonderful state parks we have here in Connecticut. Be sure to check out the Connecticut State Park Locator.

Below are some photos from the Finale at Peoples' State Park: