A Down To Earth Learning Experience For Kids and Parents Alike

With rising gas and energy costs more consumers are looking for ways to go green in an effort to save money while helping the environment. But adults aren’t the only ones who can go green. Children can too. There are dozens of little, common-sensical things children can do that may not seem like a lot but, when added up, make a huge difference. It’s not just common sense; it’s green sense.

Green and Growing, a green field trip held on the festival grounds of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire in northern Lancaster County, is on a mission to share with children the importance of thinking green, going green and being green. For two days, April 30 and May 1, children can enjoy interactive and fun “edutainment” outside of the classroom while focusing on learning about our environment and how to preserve it.  After all, these are the children who, one day, will become the caretakers of the planet, so it’s never too early to start.

Industry leaders dedicated to going green have partnered with Green and Growing to present hands-on exhibits and activities that allow children to explore, experiment and collaborate on the environment. It’s like having multiple classes taught by industry experts all rolled into one 30-acre classroom.

Within the Sustainable Living section, the PA Department of Environmental Protection will provide an engaging series of interactive learning stations at their Renewable Energy Trailer. The Franklin Institute will teach what energy is and what it means to perform work. The Philadelphia Zoo will bring animals and bio-facts for an educational and exciting encounter with the rainforest. Volts and amps are all the buzz at WOW! Whitaker on Wheels’ “Electricganza” program. North America’s largest recycler, Waste Management, takes a closer look at recycling and how someone’s trash can become someone’s treasure. Learn about Pennsylvania’s native species found in our forests, fields and towns and how our way of life affects them with Zoo America Wildlife Park. Get on a path to better stewardship of our natural resources with the Great Stewardship Adventure Game played on a life-sized game board, one of six different exhibits and activities staged by Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR). Additional Green and Growing Programming Partners include Lancaster County Solid Waste Management Authority, Lancaster Conservation District, Penn State Cooperative Extension, Shipley Energy, United Electric, Cartridge World and more.

Not only can children learn about how they impact the environment and what they can do to care for it, they can also explore ways to get outside and enjoy it with DCNR’s Get Outdoors PA! This adventure sports and outdoor recreation area will highlight all there is to do in the great outdoors. Children can check out the latest gear, learn from the professionals about basic skills and techniques and learn environmentally-responsible recreation practices so they can learn to Leave No Trace^TM.

Green and Growing is an all-day educational event from 9 A.M. to 3 P.M., April 30 and May 1. Tickets are $10 for children and adults. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.PaRenFaire.com or call (717) 665-7021.

Green and Growing is located on the grounds of Mount Hope Estate & Winery, home of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, located on Route 72, a half of a mile south of PA Turnpike Exit 266, 14 miles east of Hershey and 15 miles north of Lancaster. HBG