The National Park Trust (NPT), who’s mission is “to champion the acquisition and preservation of America's critical parklands through education, partnerships, and community-building”, has formalized a new and deeper partnership with For Love of Children’s Outdoor Education Center.  The goal of this partnership is to bring children outdoors and provide outdoor educational opportunities for them.  “NPT’s partnership with FLOC will help both organizations achieve their common goal of bringing more youth out to nature. We’re excited about the possibilities!” said Grace Lee, Executive Director of NPT.

NPT and FLOC will work together to raise funds in order to implement necessary capital improvements to the OEC facility, broaden environmental education programs, increase educational materials and scholarships that will enhance the OEC’s capacity for environmental education. Therefore, the OEC will not only serve children at the Harpers Ferry facility, but will increase the number of environmental education programs offered offsite at various schools throughout the region.

FLOC’s Leaders in the Making Program (LITM) will be the ideal approach to making this partnership a success.  Currently offered at Charlestown Middle School, the LITM program has a strong environmental education component focusing on middle school age children.  With an increase in funding, the LITM program will be expanded to the remaining three middle schools in Jefferson County.  For more information, please visit the OEC website at www.flocoutdoors.org