Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam opened its doors during winter vacation week to students and families for three days of programming and events as part of the statewide “ No Child Left Inside” initiative .

“ The purpose of this week is for people to get outside and do something different , ” said Dianne Joy , assistant director of State Parks and Public Outreach for the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection . This was the second yearof the program at the East Haddam State Park .

The theme at Gillette Castle focused on snow and ice – which was appropriate , given the week’s weather conditions – and included science experiments to teach what animals do in the winter . Volunteers joined park staff to set up several activities for children and families , including lessons on animal tracks and snowflakes .

Gillette Castle , decorated for the holiday season , was open for tours at the regular admission price , but organizers created a do-it-yourself scavenger hunt for children throughout the museum .

An initiative of Gov . M . Jodi Rell , “ No Child Left Inside” seeks to “ encourage Connecticut families and visitors alike to enjoy all the recreational resources and outdoor activities available in Connecticut’s state parks , forests and waterways , ” according to its Web site .

An aim of the initiative is to introduce to children a theme at the state park that can later be applied at home and at school . “ Many families are looking for something to do during winter school vacation week that is both fun and educational , and the state parks are one place that can offer them jus that , ” said Joy .

“ One of our challenges is integrating with a school’s curriculum and including an environmental literacy plan , ” said Rachael Sunny , coordinator of the initiative . The DEP Parks Division holds workshops for teachers and administrators and often goes into schools to talk directly to students , Sunny said . Another challenge is that none of the state’s 139 state parks and forests is accessible via public transportation , according to Sunny .

For more information on the initiative , visit the Web site www . nochildleftinside . org .