Another game has come to a close but the memories will last a lifetime. In the end all teams that participated in The Great Park Pursuit 2009 went home winners because they spent time together as a family, traveled to some new and exciting places within their home state, and enjoyed the great outdoors and all it has to offer.

 

Teams that visited all seven parks on the game schedule and turned in proof of self- and semi-guided event attendance were eligible for the semifinalist challenge at the finale event at Kettletown State Park in Southbury. A written exam was administered that tested teams knowledge of places they had visited, birds and marine animals they had seen, history they had read on the website, and it even included a question as to what Joy and Sunny’s first names are (the answer is Diane and Rachael!). The 30 teams that received the highest test scores were deemed finalists.

 

 

These finalists then had to complete yet another challenge in order to determine the grand prize winners. An adult and a child from each team received 6 balls and they had to see how many of the balls they were able to sink through the “open faces” of the No Child Left Inside logo cutout board that traveled to each of the different guided Great Park Pursuit events. Although the concept seemed simple it took several rounds to determine the winners. 

 

 

The team that sank the most balls was the “Johansson Jedi’s” of Windsor and they opted for the kayak package. The second place team was the “Hiking Highlanders” of Naugatuck who opted for the Joy Sunny Adventure package. The third place team was the “ALPHAFIVE” of Ellington who received the camping package. All 30 teams competing in the finalist challenge received backpacks from North Cove Outfitters of Old Saybrook, filled with water bottles, bicycle helmets and No Child Left Inside t-shirts.

 

All semifinalist teams received Great Park Pursuit certificates, which were awarded by DEP staff along with Karen Lipieka from North Cove Outfitters. 

 

Those families who visited the bonus location – Weir Farm in Wilton – participated in an art contest where they were asked to visually represent their Great Park Pursuit experience. The drawings were judged by staff from Weir Farm and the top five winners will each receive a FREE day use state park pass.

 

 

Unfortunately due to predictions of severe thunderstorms, the scheduled family campout had to be cancelled but that did not dampen the teams’ spirits. We were just glad that the rain held off for as long as it did during the day.

 

While The Great Park Pursuit 2009 has now ended, the Connecticut DEP hopes that families will continue to enjoy the great outdoors for the rest of the year and for many years to come. We encourage you to continue checking the No Child Left Inside^SM website for suggested events, activities and parks to enjoy. See you in the parks!

 

 

Includes two twin otter tandem kayaks as well as paddles, life jackets, foam block kits and dry bags 

Michele, Marcus, Noah, Anders, and Grace Johansson

 

 

Shannon, James, and Callista Anctil, Britta, David, and Isabelle Santamauro,
Ericka, Mendo, Owen, and Celia Bairami

 

George, Patricia, Gordon, Jeremy and Angelo Gamble