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THE NORTH FACE EXPLORE FUND AWARDS GRANT TO THE STANLEY PARK ECOLOGY SOCIETY

Urban Camping supports a national effort to increase outdoor participation among youth

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, November 1, 2011- The North Face has awarded a $2500 grant to the Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) to help children explore the outdoors through their Urban Camping Program. This unique program offers Grade 4 to 7 students the opportunity to enjoy a two day, overnight outdoor camping experience.

The Urban Camping Program was selected from hundreds of applications because it is immersive environmental education at its finest. Urban Camping is designed in response to the growing body of research that describes how critically important it is for children, especially under the age of 12, to connect with nature As Kane a Grade 5 student says, "I saw animals I've never seen before, like starfish and crabs on the beach and even a beaver on the night walk!"

In the first of two grant cycles in 2011, The North Face awarded $125,000 in Explore Fund grants to 52 projects helping more than 30,000 kids to connect to nature. "In an age in which young people are sadly disconnected from nature and all the benefits it provides physically, emotionally and socially," said Patricia Thomson, Executive Director of Stanley Park Ecology Society, "SPES is grateful to receive valuable support from The North Face Explore Fund to nationally inspire and empower young stewards of the future."

SPES's Urban Camping program has been successfully operating since 1997. In 2011 SPES welcomed 453 participants, bringing the 14 year total to over 5500 students. This year the program hosted three designated Inner City schools. Through the ongoing generous support of funders and the acquisition of new funding partners like the The North Face, SPES is able to offer a reduced rate to make this experiential program financially accessible for underprivileged youth.

"First-hand experience is essential to ignite a passion for the outdoors, and that shouldn't be limited by gender, race or income level," said Ann Krcik, director of outdoor participation at The North Face. "At The North Face, we're dedicated to providing everyone with the access to our natural playgrounds and the resources they need to get outside."

The North Face , Explore Fund is a welcome new addition to our long- term funding partners; RBC Foundation , TD Friends of the Environment Foundation the Keith Lord Sports Foundation Fund held at the Vancouver Foundation, the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau , Concord Security and Whole Foods Market.

Urban Camping Programs are offered from April to June annually. For more information and to book a session contact , Acting School Programs Manager , Anita Georgy at 604-257-6907 or school@stanleyparkecology.ca . To learn more about the Stanley Park Ecology Society and all SPES's School Programs visit www.stanleyparkecology.ca . To learn more about all of the Explore Fund grantees and to keep up on their progress visit www.planetexplore.com and www.twitter.com/@StanleyPkEcoSoc .

About the Stanley Park Ecology Society

The Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) promotes awareness of and respect for the natural world and plays a leadership role in the stewardship of Stanley Park through collaborative initiatives in education, research and conservation. SPES has been actively promoting urban ecological conservation and stewardship since 1988.

About The North Face Explore Fund

The North Face Explore FundTM is a grant program committed to supporting non-profit, community organizations that break down the barriers preventing children and families from experiencing the outdoors. The Explore Fund, administered by The Outdoor Foundation, finds, engages and provides funding for new partners that help further the mission of inspiring the next generation of explorers and conservationists by helping them discover nature's playground.

About PlanetExplore

PlanetExplore is an online community founded by The North Face, powered by partner organizations that share a passion for the outdoors, and designed to help individuals and families learn about and participate in outdoor activities and events in their area. PlanetExplore is a portal to the outdoors designed to inspire and enable people of all ages to become regularly active outside, and to enjoy the benefits gained through a connection to nature.

For more information, please visit our websites:
The Explore Fund www.explorefund.com
Planet Explore www.planetexplore.com