The School Kids In The Park (SKIP) program aims to encourage educators to utilize the Park as a living classroom by facilitating visits to the Park and working to remove barriers that may limit students' participation like transportation costs. These trips to the Park offer options for your class to explore and learn in the park and include beach talks about sea turtles, visits to the Annaberg historic district, bird walks, nature and plant walks, and hiking the National Park Service Network to Freedom trail in Leinster Bay.
Following best practices in STEM education, SKIP is structured to offer interactive learning experiences that build cognitive development, critical thinking, math and science skills. The program aims to encourage empathy for plant and animal life and promote environmental stewardship and community engagement.
In the 2023/24 academic year, 952 students from 10 schools on St. John and St. Thomas participated in 72 field trips and classroom presentations.
Discuss your classroom’s field trip options and schedule a Park or classroom visit with Friends of the Park’s Program Manager, Taylor White at [email protected] or (203) 530-4392.
Trips To The Park
The Virgin Islands National Park is a wonderful natural classroom. We invite you to bring your class on a trip to explore and learn in the park. Options include beach talks about sea turtles, visits to the Annaberg historic site, bird walks, nature and plant walks, and hiking the National Park Service Network to Freedom trail in Leinster Bay.
Classroom Visits
Invite the park sea turtle protection team to share their knowledge about all things turtle with your students. Other possible classroom visits include mangrove ecosystems and more.
Online Resources & Lesson Content
Explore the resources on our website for lessons planning ideas and teaching resources about sea turtles, marine life, and cultural heritage.
Financial Assistance
Ask about financial assistance to cover transportation costs including taxis and ferries as well as the cost of teaching tools for STEM and conservation related lessons held in the Park or in your classroom. For more information, please contact Friends of the Park’s Program Manager, Taylor White at [email protected] or (203) 530-4392