Press Conference Recap | May 5, 2026
Phones Down, Adventure Up
Screen-Free Week was the perfect moment to remind Pennsylvania families that the great outdoors is always open. On May 5, we gathered at the Pennsylvania State Capitol with legislators, doctors, outdoor providers, and two inspiring young adventurers to introduce the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass. And the response was overwhelming! Read the full press conference recap below. View pdf recap here.
PA Launches $69 Pass to Get Kids Outdoors to Highlight Screen-Free Week
- Date: May 5, 2026, 11:30 AM
- Location: Harrisburg State Capitol Rotunda Steps
- Screen-Free Week, May 4–10, 2026
About the Launch
The Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA) marked National Screen-Free Week with a Harrisburg State Capitol press conference to unveil its PA Outdoor Adventure Pass, a $69 annual membership that gives all 4th and 5th graders access to outdoor adventures statewide. The event drew bipartisan legislative support, medical voices from UPMC, Pennsylvania’s Director of Outdoor Recreation, and two young Pennsylvanians who shared their own adventure stories firsthand.
By the Numbers
- 5+ hours: average daily screen time for kids ages 8–12
- $69: full-year Adventure Pass per child
- 4th–5th grade: all Pennsylvania students eligible
- #8: Pennsylvania ranked nationally in outdoor industry size
Key Voices from the Event
“Screen-Free Week isn’t just about turning off devices; it’s about giving kids something better. This pass helps families replace screen time with real-world experiences that build confidence, curiosity, and connection.” –Lutricia Eberly, Executive Director, PORA
“The data on children and screen time is deeply concerning from a medical standpoint. Children ages 8–12 are spending more than five hours a day on entertainment screens, and we see the consequences in our practices—increased rates of anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, attention difficulties, and obesity.”-Dr. Michael Spangler, VP Medical Affairs, UPMC Central Region / UPMC Memorial
“It’s not just about the individual experience of one child, but the more we draw connections to nature, the more we draw connections to the world around us, the more we draw connections to each other.” Nathan Reigner, Director, Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation
“Stop going on your iPad, and get outside. It’s so much better, and it’s better for your brain.” Quillam Landrum, Passholder, Age 11
“The Pennsylvania Outdoor Adventure Pass is for 4th and 5th graders, and it includes options to get outdoors across the Commonwealth. We have over 50 options on the Pass and so when a parent buys the Pass for their child, that child gets discounted or free activities across the Commonwealth.” Lutricia Eberly, Executive Director, PORA
“The adventure pass opens the gates to the great outdoors and lets kids choose their medicine. A medicine that heals body and mind, the Outdoor Adventure Pass is a natural remedy to an unnatural epidemic.” Brian Taig, Reporter, Fox 43 News
“We’re prescribing the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass as the solution for getting kids outdoors.” Lutricia Eberly, Executive Director, PORA
Pass Provider Spotlight
Featured in CBS 21 on-site coverage (May 5, 2026 · 12:05 PM):
“We provide high ropes, climbing tower, and interactive experiences with our wildlife center through the Pass. There is a deep level of experiential learning that happens through that. And it’s mentally, physically, and just emotionally good for each individual.” Phil True, Fun Scheduler, Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center
How the Pass Works
- $69 per child for a full year (September 1 – August 31)
- All 4th and 5th graders are eligible
- Activities include skiing, snowboarding, caves, climbing, water sports, farms, nature centers, zoos, adventure parks, mini-golf, and more.
- Providers are added continuously
- No app needed, just your name
Press Conference Speakers
- Lutricia Eberly – Executive Director, Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association
- Dr. Michael Spangler – VP Medical Affairs, UPMC Central Region / UPMC Memorial
- Rep. Mary Jo Daley (HD-148) – Chair, Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development Committee
- Rep. Ryan Warner (HD-52) – Chair, Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development Committee
- Rep. Mandy Steele (HD-33) – Member, Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development; Sponsor, H.B. 1814 (classroom cell phone ban)
- Rep. Scott Barger (HD-80) – Member, Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development Committee
- Rep. Nathan Davidson (HD-103) – Member, Game & Fisheries Committee
- Nathan Reigner – Director, Pennsylvania Office of Outdoor Recreation
- Two 4th & 5th Grade Pennsylvanians – Sharing their outdoor adventures in their own words
The Economic Case for Getting Outdoors
- $20.4 billion: total economic contribution
- 177,000: jobs sustained statewide
- $6.2 billion: tourism-related spending
- $1.2 billion: lodging revenue generated
- #8: nationwide in industry size and employment
Making Headlines
- 18 total media mentions
- 14,213,287 total audience reached
- Coverage across TV, Radio, Online News, and Social Media
Connect with Us
- Hashtags: #PAOutdoorAdventurePass #ChooseAdventure #PennsylvaniaOutdoors
About PORA:
The Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA) is the trade association representing outdoor recreation businesses across the Commonwealth. The association began as the Pennsylvania Ski Area Association in 1978 and ran a 4th and 5th grade ski pass for 6 years before ceasing the program in 2020.
In June 2024, the association rebranded as the Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association. In September 2025, PORA relaunched the pass as the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass, expanding access to year-round outdoor experiences across all outdoor recreation categories.
PORA functions as a marketing clearinghouse, connecting families with participating providers statewide. The pass program serves as a tool for families to build outdoor recreation habits during a critical developmental window, while simultaneously supporting Pennsylvania’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation economy through provider partnerships and tourism spending.
Media Contact: Lutricia Eberly
Executive Director, Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Association (PORA)
Email: [email protected]
P.O. Box 412
Dillsburg, PA 17019