01/23/2012: "San Juan Trails Committee "Trails Passport" Has Arrived"

(-Principal Connie Martin, PTA Co-Presidents Roxanne Angel & Megan Hoffman; SJT Committee Eileen Drath and Dave Zeretze & members of the PTA Board. 1st grader Olivia Germaine smiles her approval -T Simendinger photo)

by Theresa Simendinger

During the PTA meeting January 11, 2012 the kick off for "Trails Passport" took place. This is the San Juan Trails Committee's new idea to get families out and enjoying our natural wonders.

Many of us who who live in the San Juan Islands are surrounded by so much natural beauty we may forget to enjoy it.

People come from all over the world to enjoy the mystical beautyof the area. The "Trails Passport" is a booklet designed by Dave Zeretze to help promote families to use the trails of San Juan Island. After a family hike kids can place a sticker in the area provided after each of the San Juan trials listed.

Connie Martin, Principal of Friday Harbor Elementary School, emphasized "Regular exercise in nature is proven to improve children's physical and mental health. The SJ Trails idea is a great opportunity for parents to model and develop a more active lifestyle for their families."

The idea started when Eileen Drath noticed the German hiking club; "Volks Walkers" had a "Volks Passport" for adults to record their hikes in. Dave Zeretze saw them again in 2010 at Pacific Beach, WA. Zeretzke and Drath envisioned it as a way to introduce the young people of the San Juan's to the adventures of the island forests and beaches.

Zeretzke liked the idea so much he designed the San Juan Trails Passport with the help and enthusiastic support of Chris Brown at Printonyx. San Juan Trails, a committee of Island Rec funded the Trails Passport. Island Rec Director Sally Thomsen regarded it as a great project for them to be onboard with.

At a time when the health of our computer preoccupied young is at stake this is a wonderful way for them to spend time with their families and or friends in the stress free environment of the unsurpassed beauty available here on the island which we are fortunate enough to call home.

The Trails Passports are for everyone who would like to encourage their family to "Get moving!"

The small blue booklets are available through Mike Biggers, PE Teacher at the FH Elementary School or at Island Rec Mon-Fri 1-5pm