2008 Maryland Bay Game

Today, with the help of students from the Echo Hill Outdoor School, Governor Martin O’Malley unveiled the 2008 Maryland Bay Game as part of his declaration of Chestertown as “Capital for a Day”. The 2008 Bay Game theme focuses on celebrating children in our natural world.

“Increasing opportunities for children to connect with nature is the key to creating a more sustainable future,” said Governor O’Malley. “With the 2008 Maryland Bay Game, we aim to encourage young people to learn about and enjoy their outdoor surroundings through fun, creative, educational activities.”

At the same time that it teaches children about our natural environment, the popular natural resources activity book channels their restless energy during long summer car rides into an enjoyable learning experience.  With interesting facts and puzzles about topics such as watersheds, wildlife, trees and forests, geology, and agriculture, this year’s game is designed to inspire children to go outside and enjoy the outdoors.

During the unveiling celebration on the Wharf at High Street overlooking the scenic Chester River, Governor O’Malley addressed the importance of outdoor learning opportunities for kids.

“Maryland’s natural resources offer boundless learning opportunities,” said Governor O’Malley. “We hope that the 2008 Bay Game will guide children into becoming responsible and informed stewards.”

In April, Governor O’Malley signed an Executive Order establishing the Maryland Partnership for Children in Nature, a coalition of state, local, private and non-profit partners charged with promoting the well-being of youth by accelerating environmental learning and expanding opportunities for outdoor experiences. The 2008 Maryland Bay Game reinforces this commitment to environmental education and securing a sustainable future for the state.

Free Maryland Bay Games are distributed through public libraries and visitor’s centers across the state.  Bay Games are also available at the National Aquarium and Science Center in Baltimore.  A downloadable version of the 2008 Maryland Bay Game is also available online at www.dnr.maryland.gov/baygame.

Created in 1998 to educate children on the basics of conservation biology and the importance of Maryland’s natural resources throughout the mid-Atlantic region, Maryland’s Bay Game was the first of its kind in the nation. While the game initially focused on the drive from the Bay Bridge along Maryland Routes 50 and 404 to the beaches of Ocean City, it has since been expanded to encompass natural resources across the state.  The Maryland Bay Game reaches nearly one million travelers of all ages annually through print and online editions.