The Stewart L. Udall Parks in Focus Program

What is Parks in Focus?

Parks in Focus® connects middle school youth from underserved communities to nature through photography, environmental education, and creative expression. Through partnerships with parks and youth-serving organizations, Parks in Focus®

  • Provides outdoor experiences for middle school youth who have limited exposure to nature;
  • Increases participants’ appreciation for their local environment and public lands;
  • Encourages participants to use photography as a tool for environmental learning and as an outlet for creative expression; and
  • Engages participants in service and stewardship.

Our program is free to participants and provides important “firsts” such as camping or visiting a national park or wildlife refuge for the first time. Photography lessons, field trips, and camping excursions build skills, enhance self-esteem, and promote creativity.