Seasonal Celebrations

If you are reading this newsletter, chances are pretty good you know a little something about our state parks. Our parks are just getting over a Spooktacular October that saw campgrounds crawling with ghosts and ghouls, and park staff (and the parks themselves) decked out in their Halloween best. Now, as we prepare our turkey, ham and mashed potatoes, we are ready to get into the holiday spirit once more.

Our state parks work hard to make the holiday season special and provide opportunities for you to not only get outside, but to make memories, share your love of parks and enjoy some fun this season. We kick the season off annually with #OptOutsideSC, a chance to take advantage of free park admission on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Whether to walk off some turkey, or just enjoy some peace in a beautiful setting, it is a great way to relax and disconnect from the busyness of the season.

Park rangers around the state have already begun preparing parks for our seasonal programs, but did you know park rangers also help prepare the Governor's Mansion and the South Carolina Statehouse for the holidays? In addition to regular tours of the Mansion and the Statehouse, rangers help them look extra special and share them with visitors.

One of the activities we are most excited to share again this year is our Dashing Through the Parks scavenger hunt! This challenge, played through the GooseChase app, was a huge hit last year and we cannot wait to see some of the fun our participants will have this year. Will you sing a song, visit a park and get your picture made with Santa or some other activity? No matter what it is, we hope it makes you smile. 

We look forward to welcoming you into parks this holiday season.

Paul

November 2023