GE STATE PARK

Summer 2008 Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights Proclamation
by Director Jerry Hover, KS State Parks Director

With concerns about youth detachment from outdoor activities, lack of physical exercise, and increased health risks the KS Division of State parks has adopted the KS Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights—a basic list of experiences that every child in KS would benefit from experiencing—no matter what age. Numerous studies document that children who are more active and learn to enjoy the outdoors are healthier, do better in school, have better social skills and self-image, and lead more fulfilled lives.

Spending time in the great outdoors can be a wonderful experience for people of all ages, and this is especially true for our youth. Participating in outdoor activities is not only an enjoyable way for kids to get the exercise they need, it also helps them develop a greater appreciation for our magnificent environment and KS state parks.

To promote increased involvement in outdoor activities, your KS State Parks Director and a volunteer group comprising public and private organizations from the federal, state and local levels – has created the Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights that provides that every child between the ages of four and fourteen should have the opportunity to:

“Bee A Kansas Explorer”

1 Discover Kansas past

2 Splash in the water

3 Play in a safe place

4 Camp under the stars

5 Explore nature

6 Learn to swim

7 Play on a team

8 Follow a trail

9 Catch a fish

10 Celebrate their heritage

“I encourage parents, educators and other concerned citizens to do all they can to help our state’s children experience and enjoy the wonders of Mother Nature – and there is no better place to experience them than right here in our beautiful Sunflower State,” said Jerry Hover in his January 1, 2008 proclamation recognizing the “Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights—Bee a Kansas Explorer” and encouraging children’s participation in outdoor activities during the summer months.

More information on state parks is also available at the department’s website, www.kdwp.state.ks.us.


	GLEN ELDER STATE PARK	Glen Elder State Park KS Dept of Wildlife & Parks 2131 180 Rd. Glen Elder, KS 67446 Phone...785-545-3345 Fax...785-545-3347 E-Mail: gleneldersp@wp.state.ks.us

Park Fees Park Facilities Park News Event Calendar Storm Shelter Maps Waconda Lake

Less than a quarter of a mile west of Glen Elder, and situated on the north shores of Waconda Lake, Glen Elder State Park offers nearly unlimited recreational opportunities. With its rural setting, this is a perfect place to relax. The Park Office is located about a quarter mile south of the HWY 24 & 128 junction. (Approximately 15 miles west of Beloit, KS or 5 miles east of Cawker City, KS.) The office is OPEN throughout the year, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm. Hours extend to seven days a week, 8am to 4:30pm, beginning April 16th through Labor Day weekend. Between Memorial weekend and July 4th, the office will be open from 8am to 8pm on Friday and Saturdays. For permits, visit either the Park office or one of the Self-pay stations at each Park entrance. Vehicle, camping, and utility permits are required year-round. ► View Park Permit Fees	► View Park News Spring 2008 Learn More About our NEW Cabins! For EMERGENCY Assistance, call the Park office or the Mitchell County Sheriff: Dial 911 or call (785) 738-3523.

2008 -- Park Event Calendar April 7 - Turkey Federation Youth Hunt April 5 - Sept. 1 - WLA Fish-A-Thon May 4 - KWA Governor's Cup WalleyeTournament May 26 - Glen Elder State Park Fun Run May 31 - 4th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament June 7 & 8 - Free Fishing & Free Park Entrance Day / OK Kids? July 4 - Eagles Fireworks * July 5 - WLA Volleyball Tournament ? July TBA - WLA MusicFest	STORM EMERGENCY SHELTERS GE State Park now has the capability to shelter 400+ underground for storms. A storm shelter/storage area under the Park Office is capable of holding over 200 people in an emergency. This capacity more than doubles that of he ADA accessible Hopewell Church basement (located just south of the Park office.) With these means, no one needs to be put on the road to Glen Elder or other shelters except for a holiday weekend. Park personnel encourage and educate visitors about severe weather procedures and make the shelters available whenever the need arises. The staff monitors severe weather situations on a constant basis. They also use local weather tools effectively by informing the public to listen to FM 94.1 for real-time weather information.

*The Beloit Eagles are again sponsoring the 2008 Independence Day Fireworks at Waconda Lake July 4th. To donate to the 2008 display show contact Farmway Credit Union in Beloit at 785-738-2224 or mail donations to: Farmway Credit Union / 200 South Hersey Ave. / Beloit, KS -- Attention: Eagles Lodge Fireworks Account