An Enumclaw-based program that offers young people the opportunity to experience nature across South King County has received funding through the King County Youth and Amateur Sports Grants program.

The financial award was announced Jan. 31 by Reagan Dunn, vice chair of the Metropolitan King County Council.

The Nexus Youth and Families organization received $23,135 in grant funding for its Summer Nature Adventure Program. This program offers groups of eight to 12 geographically isolated and low-income youth opportunities to participate in organized day trips to varied locations across South King County, including local and state parks, plus national forests.

Examples of activities the youth can participate in include river rafting and rock climbing; visits to zoos and museums; tree, animal and plant identification; and other activities that are not readily accessible to these young people.

The grant is administered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Parks and Recreation Division.

The program is funded and sustained through a 1 percent car-rental tax authorized by the Legislature in 1993. Funds can only be used for programs or capital projects that increase access to health-enhancing physical activities. King County has awarded roughly $15 million in grants since the program’s inception in 1993, creating nearly 350 new or renovated youth sports facilities throughout the county.