LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE, Ark. -- The Air Force Services Activity is partnering with the National Park Trust to bring the Buddy Bison Great Outdoors Challenge to Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, from March 31 to August 11.
Buddy Bison is a free program allowing children and families to participate in activities such as camping, canoeing, fishing and hiking while exploring local state and national parks.
Funding from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Community and Family Policy is enabling the Air Force to pilot the program at eight bases throughout the Air Force. The success of the program will determine its extension to other installations in the future.
“The program promotes healthy-habits with parents and their kids in the local community,” said Otis Williams, 19th Force Support Squadron Youth Center program manager. “This a good way to see the area for families who have just moved here.”
Participating children receive a Buddy Bison passport or bingo card to collect stamps at Buddy Bison stops found on the base and parks in the community. The children will receive various awards for a certain number of activities attended.
“Most people in the military try to live a healthy lifestyle, and this promotes that for kids in a fun way.” Williams said.
The event will kick off at the 2018 Family Fest at the Warfit Pavilion March 31. Children may sign-up and receive their stamp cards and a free Buddy Bison stuffed animal toy. In addition to Family Fest, the 19th FSS Youth Center will host multiple Bison Buddy events at different locations throughout the state for both members and non-members.
Although not every installation will be enrolled in the Buddy Bison program, all can participate in NPT’s Kids to Parks Day, held the third Saturday of May. According to the NPT’s web site, the national day of outdoor play encourages exploring outdoor recreation, learning about science, technology, engineering and math; and embracing park stewardship.
For more information about the program or to get involved, contact Otis Williams at (501) 987-6355. For information about Kids to Parks Day, visit https://www.parktrust.org/kids-to-parks-day/
Information from an article by Lackland Air Force Base.