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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Nature Scholars Foundation different from other environmental nonprofits?
Unlike traditional nature programs, Tripp invites children to step inside the story. Through the I’m a Tripp Planner experience, students discover why nature matters. They then become inspired as co-authors of Tripp’s next book and celebrate their creativity in a joyful assembly that highlights how they can protect and care for nature in their own communities.
Why focus on underserved communities?
Because every child deserves to see themselves as capable of making a difference. Many students in underserved areas have limited access to parks or outdoor learning. We bring those experiences to them by showing that protecting nature starts right outside their own front door.
What does it mean to be a “Nature Scholar”?
A Nature Scholar is a young explorer who learns to appreciate, respect, and protect the planet. After completing our "I’m a Tripp Planner!" experience, each student earns their “Nature Scholar” title, a backpack, and a lifelong invitation to make environmentally responsible choices.
What is the “I’m a Tripp Planner!” experience?
It’s a 15-day interactive workbook and video journey through the U.S. national parks where students learn about history, culture, wildlife, and conservation.
Is Tripp really visiting all 63 U.S. National Parks?
Yes! Tripp has visited 41 parks so far and has plans to visit all 63. After visiting each park, we make notes associated with Tripp’s adventures to document in his national park book with after-school program students.
Do the students really co-author the books?
Yes! The after-school program students contribute ideas, dialogue, and creative input. The book is then dedicated to the students, making them part of Tripp’s real-life publishing journey!
How does my donation make a difference?
Your donation brings the program to more classrooms: $250 → Puts 25 Tripp the Tumbleweed National Park books into the hands of young readers. $500 → Brings the “I’m a Tripp Planner” 15-day video and workbook experience to an after-school program. $750 → Empowers after-school students to co-author Tripp’s next National Park adventure. $1,000 → Delivers an interactive school assembly that brings environmental learning to life. $2,250 → Funds the "I'm a Tripp Planner" experience, co-authoring opportunity, Tripp's books for each student, and interactive assembly for an after-school program.
How do you measure your impact?
We remain personally connected to the teachers in the after-school programs and track growth in literacy, environmental awareness, and confidence. After working with our first 3 after-school programs, every teacher said their students felt “more connected to nature” and “proud to protect it.”
Can I support a specific after-school program?
Yes! You can sponsor an after-school program in an underserved community. Please reach out to us at info@naturescholars.org.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes! The Nature Scholars Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
After Tripp visits all 63 U.S. national parks, what's next?
After we collaborate with U.S.-based after-school classrooms, we plan on introducing the program to students in underserved communities in other countries as Tripp would love to grow nature scholars around the world!