The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection has announced the winners of the Great Park Pursuit, a seven-week outdoor adventure in which more than 150 families participated in various activities at different State Parks and Forests.
The Johansson family of Winsted; the Gamble family of Ellington; and a Naugatuck team consisting of the Anctil, Santamauro, and Bajrami families won the top three prizes in this year's event. The Johanssons were the first place winners, receiving a package of kayaks and kayak equipment valued at more than $2,500.
The Great Park Pursuit consists of different activities, including hiking, biking, and canoeing. At each location, families from throughout the state used clues to find the next park. Participants spent a week at each park, and the adventure ended at KettletownState Park in Southbury for the final challenges. This was the fourth year of the event.
The program is part of No Child Left Inside, a statewide initiative and brainchild of Governor M. Jodi Rell. The endeavor began in 2006 as an effort to raise awareness for the State Parks and Forests and increasing children's enthusiasm for the outdoors.
Participants also were able to create their own family page on the initiative’s website, NoChildLeftInside.org, and posted photos and comments to log their progress.
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