Ian Jordan has been honored as a Youth Ambassador by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation

Editor's note: The following article was prepared by the staff at the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

Five years ago, the Jordans went on a family outing to Millers Pond Park in Rocky Point, North Carolina. It was an easy hike for then four-year-old Ian, whose parents were keen on engaging him with the outdoors. With plenty to explore around the pond, Ian could observe the water, touch the trees, or find critters in the dirt. But it was also here that the Jordans discovered Kids in Parks. Crossing paths with a TRACK Trail sign, they picked up The Need for Trees brochure activity and began adventures that would continue to this day.

Now an upcoming fourth grader, Ian has TRACKed adventures with Kids in Parks in 81 locations, logging over 100 miles on TRACK Trail hikes. Many of his favorite trail experiences have occurred on Kids in Parks adventures. He saw unexpected summer icicles at Chimney Rock State Park and learned about trees at Barnet Park while he played disc golf on the Nature Trail Disc Golf Course. Ian especially enjoys the Hikin' to Find Lichen activity. "Crustose [lichen] is my favorite," he said.

"I have been able to explore lots of different types of natural habitats and learn more about nature," Ian responded when asked about what Kids in Parks means to him. 

The Jordan family's involvement with Kids in Parks has led them to become ambassadors for the program. And last month, Ian was awarded the Youth Ambassador award by the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation.

As is the hope of Kids in Parks, Ian's interest in the great outdoors extends beyond the program. Notably, Ian is a Junior Ranger with the National Park Service, having earned badges from 135 NPS sites, including Mammoth Cave and the Springfield Armory, two of his favorites. He has also earned Junior Ranger badges from every state park in North Carolina, as well as numerous state parks in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Virginia, and Vermont. And while he still has many adventures to pursue in the United States, such as a trip to Yellowstone, he hopes to add Iceland as the sixth country he's visited.

He is also a dedicated Cub Scout, enjoying many experiences with his Pack. From traditional camping to "sleeping with the sharks" during a night spent inside an aquarium. For the Jordans, summers and other holidays out of school are spent on family trips to various parks.

Ian has made numerous contributions to Kids in Parks as well. Last year, Ian and his father, John, participated in a committee—along with several national park rangers—to help the program design and test a new mobile e-Adventure called National Parks Expedition. Funded by a National Park Foundation Strong Park Strong Communities grant, the new e-Adventure engages children with the natural, historical, and cultural resources found in national parks, and helps them learn about the work of rangers and the National Park Service.

The Kids in Parks team and the rest of the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation are so proud of Ian and look forward to his future endeavors. Kids like Ian are invaluable to our parks and public lands. Their love for our nation's resources will lead them and others to become future stewards, mentoring the public on the importance of parks and preserving the legacies of these outdoor spaces.