Time to go exploring!

Do you know how many different ways people use the Get Outdoors (GO) York activities? We get lots of notes and comments from people who look forward to it every year as a special activity they do together as a family. We've also heard over the years from families who were new to the area, saw the books at their local York County Library location, and decided to use to to become familiar with York County, as well as with the wonderful state and local parks we have in our area. The 2011 Passport to Adventure is now available at any York County Library location.

Even though the program has been developed for families with preschoolers and elementary kids, there's no reason you can't use it to introduce newcomers, friends, and family members of all ages to the great resources we have available here in York. Let them know about the York County Library locations listed in the book. Use it as a guide to discover new parks and other interesting places around York County. And this year, you can access some great recipes from around the world, representing 30 different countries!

So, when we say, "GO and Explore Your World," we really mean it! Get out, get moving, and discover all of York's treasures this summer.

August — The Countdown Begins...

It's hard to believe that we've reached August already! We hope you're staying dry and cool in these hot Summer days as you search for the Lost Buoys. And while you're out trekking around the beautiful parks and trails of York County, don't forget those Mystery Photos on the website that will score extra points for your entry into the prize drawing at the end of the program. (Anyone happen to see this interesting place, Mystery Photo #4?)

Don't forget — You have until Labor Day, September 6, to find all 30 of the Lost Buoys. You can hand in your completed entry form at any branch of the York County Library System. Good luck in your hunting as you Get Outdoors and Make a Splash!

Welcome to York County...

We had great feedback on Saturday at Splashfest from those who have been participating in the GO and Make a Splash! program. Quite a few people made the comment "I had no idea York County had so many parks!"

We've had a number of families who, upon moving into the area, have found out about the program at their local York County Library, and used the program as a way of finding out more about the local parks and recreational opportunities. Great idea!

If you know a family that's new to the area, why not introduce them to this fun and active program that will guide them to some of the best parks and recreational sites in York County? I hope you're having fun discovering them, too!

Bonus Points

A question has been raised about the Mystery Photos and the extra points you receive by identifying them. Here's how the point system works:

For each of the 30 Lost Buoys that you find and record (create a rubbing) on your entry form, you receive one point toward the prize drawing (See the Prize/Rules page here). For each of the five Mystery Photo locations you correctly identify on the entry form, you'll receive an additional point toward your total, which determines how many chances you'll receive in the prize drawing.

More questions? Please feel free to email us anytime!

Mystery Photo #1

Okay, hopefully you've been "getting out" and about with this year's GO & Make a Splash! program, but I'm wondering how observant you are when you're looking for the Lost Buoys. Has anyone run across the location of this Mystery Photo? You can see it online here, but SHHHH! Don't tell anyone on this blog where it is! If you think you know where it is, make sure to fill it out on the back of the entry form in the center of your Water Log. Don't forget to keep your eyes open for the location of all five Mystery Photos. You could end up with FIVE EXTRA POINTS to qualify for the prize drawings at the end of the program. Good luck!

New Map Added to Lost Buoy Status Page!

You can now access a map that gives you an overview of the starting locations for all 30 Lost Buoys! Just visit our website at www.goyork.org and click on "Lost Buoy Status." At the top of the page, you'll find a light blue box that gives you a link to click on to open the map in a new window.

Have fun planning your "Make a Splash!" adventures!

Let the Games Begin!

Today is the official start of the Get Outdoors and Make a Splash! program. If you haven't picked up your Water Log yet, be sure to visit any branch of the York County Library System, where they are available FREE to kids and families.

In the Water Log, you'll find information on all 30 Lost Buoys, hidden throughout parks and trails in York County, with clues on how to find them! The entry form (located in the center of the book for easy removal) gives instructions on how to register for fun-filled prizes! You'll also find directions to the parks and trails, information on related books to read, and FREE fun activities for your family this Summer.

Good luck finding the Lost Buoys, and have fun Making a Splash!