Idaho’s “Be Outside” program launches interactive flipbook for kids

10/21/2009
The state’s best resource for getting youth outdoors has partnered once again with Idaho’s First Lady to provide Idahoans fun new ways to learn about our state.  The Web site www.beoutsideidaho.org now features First Lady Lori Otter’s book “Ida Visits the Capitol” in interactive form.

Visitors to the Web site now can soar into history with Ida Jones, a barnstorming female pilot of the past who flies across Idaho in search of great adventure. The 32-page, interactive flip book includes information on Idaho history, past governors, native tribes, land, historical figures, symbols and more.

The www.beoutsideidaho.org Web site was launched by the Idaho Division of Tourism earlier this year after Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter proclaimed 2009 “Children in Nature Year” in Idaho. To complete the project the division worked closely with the Idaho Children in Nature Network, a diverse coalition of agencies and organizations united in a common goal to get youth outdoors in order to stay healthy and connected to Idaho.

The First Lady helped launch the Idaho Children and Nature Network’s statewide initiative, dubbed "Be Outside," and continues to play a vital role in its development. “Idahoans of all ages – especially our youth – are losing touch with the one thing that makes Idaho so special: our outdoors,” First Lady Lori Otter said. “I am excited my book has sparked more interest in the many facets of our state. My partnership with the ‘Be Outside’ program, and this Web site in particular, will help get Idahoans back outside to explore the places and people that make the Gem State so unique.”

Karen Ballard, administrator of the Idaho Division of Tourism, said Idaho delivers recreational opportunities to be outside during all seasons. As a network partner, the division maintains the Web site, which she says captures the playfulness of Idaho and empowers kids and families to get outdoors. “Concerned parents who feel their kids are disconnected from nature will appreciate the variety of opportunities our joint agencies have assembled for families to enjoy,” Ballard said. “The First Lady’s online book is a great tool to excite readers of all ages about what our state has to offer.”

“Ida Visits the Capitol” originally was published in 2008. The book was a joint project of First Lady Lori Otter and the Center for Idaho History and Politics at Boise State University and was created by First Lady Lori Otter, Todd Shallat, Nancy Tacke and Adele Thomsen.

Free copies of the book are available at the First Lady's office on the third floor of the Borah Building, 750 W. Bannock St. in Boise.

News tag(s): Travel Communities