Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne, the Louisiana Office of State Parks and students from Istrouma High School in Baton Rouge are teaming up to prove that education is not just found in the classroom.

On Friday, Feb. 22, at BREC’s Greenwood Community Park in Baker, students will participate in the Louisiana Outdoors Outreach Program, under the Office of State Parks.

Students will participate in fishing, kayaking, stand-up paddling and canoeing. They will also participate in a service-learning project of picking up litter and cleaning up fishing trails.

Staff from LOOP is educating these outstanding students by providing a hands-on learning experience on the benefits of nature and outdoor recreation. Interviews with LOOP and/or BREC staff may be arranged.

LOOP began working with Istrouma High School in 2008, developing team-building and outdoor skills such as canoeing and campsite setup. Nearly 40 students will put these skills into action during their hands-on outdoor excursion. They will test their knowledge with an overnight camping trip at a Louisiana state park next month.

"LOOP is a positive example of the quality programming we strive to offer within our Office of State Parks," Lt. Governor Dardenne said. "Seeing these mostly at-risk students so eager for outdoor recreation is truly rewarding."

The goal of LOOP is to provide a quality outdoor educational program to underserved youths throughout the state. Programs are available in Baton Rouge, Zachary and in New Orleans. Through a comprehensive organizational model, LOOP staff works with students to enhance self-esteem, encourage mental and physical improvement, and develop the many characteristics associated with civic mindedness and environmental stewardship.

For more information, visit LaStateParks.com.

It is the BREC mission to provide parks and recreational opportunities for all the residents of East Baton Rouge Parish.