The Prince George Public Library is promoting creative ways to get outside and be active, including a new partnership with BC Parks to offer hiking kits.
Building off of BC Parks’ June 25 Learn to be in Nature event is the creation of hiking kits which will be available through the Prince George Public Library (PGPL). Community members, including new Canadians, are encouraged to borrow the hiking kits free of charge using their library cards.
As Prince George offers endless trails and amazing day-hiking opportunities, there are a lot of outdoor options for citizens of all ages to explore. The kits, funded through the sales and renewals of the BC Parks licence plates, include basic supplies needed for a safe adventure, including: a backpack, hiking poles, headlamps, a first aid kit, a compass, an emergency bivy sack, a local hiking guidebook, and a packing guide/trip planning reminder.
“British Columbians are lucky to have access to beautiful trails,” said Natasha Ewing, BC Parks’ Northern Community Liaison Officer. “The hiking kits are a wonderful initiative to inspire people to get outside and connect with nature, while providing the basic equipment needed to do it safely. With more than 340 parks and protected areas in the north alone, there is no shortage of amazing places to explore.”
Jen Rubadeau, Manager of Communications and Engagement added: “PGPL is thrilled to partner with BC Parks on the hiking backpack initiative. We already have a variety of kits in our inventory, items that maybe are less traditionally available to borrow from a library. Our kits include a large variety of tech and building kits, cognitive care kits, ukuleles, and other music makers. The hiking kits are a great compliment to the other kits we have that encourage people to get outside and discover new things, such as our birdwatching backpacks and telescope. We also offer library users unique ways to experience the outdoors at their own pace with our Nature Walk Storytimes. PGPL is so much more than just books. We strive to foster a vibrant, inclusive, thriving community, which includes encouraging residents to safely explore the wonderful world around us.”
The hiking kits are now available to public and can be burrowed using a Prince George Public Library card.