Flat Stanley on the CDT
Calling All Kids, Teachers, Parents and Hikers!
Hike with Flat Stanley this summer on the amazing 3,100-mile long “King of Trails”! Flat Stanley has traveled around the world but he has also been a frequent visitor on the CDT. Inspired by Dale Hubert’s Flat Stanley project phenomenon, we are launching Flat Stanley on the CDT Adventure program, a Continental Divide National Scenic Trail specialized model. This model will highlight the geography, history and uniqueness of the CDT and its nearby communities.
Through this program our goals are to:
- Educate youth about the history, flora and fauna along the spine of the Divide
- Inspire people of all ages to go out in nature and become stewards of our public lands
- Feature CDT towns and their unique stories building stronger communities in towns along the CDT
We want pictures and stories of towns and cities near the CDT and, even better—pictures of you hiking with your family and friends on the Continental Divide Trail!
Here is how it works:
- This spring and Summer Flat Stanley will hike the CDT with his friend Billy the Mountain Goat.
- Embark on a CDT adventure with your very own Flat Stanley and Flat Billy (downloads in the timeline below), take pictures and videos with them in the OUTDOORS. Find cool spots in your town, on trails, outside your school etc. Just be creative!
We are looking for all kinds of photos and are having a photo contest for the following categories:
- Best Photo on the CDT in each state-NM, CO, WY, ID/MT
- Best Photo in a CDT community in each state (A town about 50 miles or closer to a CDT trailhead.)
Winners in the two categories will win a kids backpack from Osprey filled with goodies. Plus, you can win a CDT gift package if we feature your pictures or videos from your hike or around your town with Flat Stanley on our website. Deadline for photos and videos is October 30th, 2010.
- Then this fall, follow Flat Stanley after his journey learning about some of the plants, animals that live in the mountains or high deserts along the Continental Divide, historical and cultural features near the trail, and towns like yours near the CDT. It is guaranteed to be a flatastic time!
Here is a 2010 timeline overview and how you can get involved!
April—September: Flat Stanley and friends will hike the CDT, documenting pictures and videos of historical places and people. Click here to download the questionnaire , then print out your own CDT Flat Stanley and Flat Billy below and then get outside!
Click here to download Flat Stanley! (PDF)
Click here to download an uncolored Flat Stanley! (PDF)
Click here to download Flat Billy! (PDF)
Click here to download an uncolored Flat Billy! (PDF)
Hint: If you are going on a long hike or many hikes with Stanley and Billy, you might want to protect them from the elements by laminating them.
Send your Flat Stanley and Flat Billy pictures, videos, stories and questions to Brenda@cdtrail.org. Remember, the deadline is October 30th, 2010.
October—December: Pictures, videos and travelogue will be featured on our website and blog. Curriculum ideas and a workbook that complement state standards will be available on the CDTA and Flat Stanley related websites.
You can also find Flat Stanley curriculum ideas and sign up your school for penpal activities with other CDT towns on Dale Hubert’s Flat Stanley Project website: www.flatstanley.com.
See you on the Trail!