Moraine State Park continues to emphasize eco-friendly recreation and environmental education.

This year the park continues its nature-loving, hands-on learning. The largest area of growth has been the SummersCool Eco-Recreation Area presented by L.L.Bean.

The tent allows visitors to get a taste of some of the exciting activities available on Lake Arthur, including free sailing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and canoeing outings as well as a family fishing area.

Local outfitters and experts will provide instruction for attendees of all experience levels.

SummersCool is in its fifth year and has more events than ever thanks to a partnership with L.L.Bean.

Along with the lake activities, visitors can stop by the L.L.Bean Base Camp for scavenger hunts, crafts, campfire cooking demonstrations and more, all led by the outdoor company's staff and volunteers.

SummersCool activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Activities are available on a first-come, first-served basis with outings lasting about 30 minutes to an hour.

If visitors aren't interested in water sports, they can brush up on their nature knowledge at the education tent presented by Peoples Gas.

The tent started last year with park friends and partners teaching attendees about their organizations.

This year, the area will add more hands-on activities and presentations from 15 partner organizations.

These include introductory yoga and tai chi classes, a local wildlife showcase and a woodturning demonstration.

Gina Mastrangelo, a communications intern with Peoples Gas, explained the reason for the company's involvement.

“Peoples has a strong focus on environmental conservation and is committed to environmental education efforts for their customers and employees,” Mastrangelo said. “Our company's dedication to preserving our environment made us a perfect fit for this event.”

The education tent will open from 11 a.m. both days and will close at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.

Children also will have their own crash course in the healthy impacts they can have on the environment.

The Lake Arthur Lily Pad Children's Tent is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. It includes kid-friendly crafts, games and entertainment for young children and families.

Partner organization Home Depot will be on-site to offer help making birdhouses among other crafts, according Chuck Caputy of Home Depot in Cranberry Township.

“The Home Depot is excited to offer a kid's workshop where they'll enjoy a variety of mini-construction projects they can bring home with them,” Caputy said.

Amanda Becker is with Appleseed Events and the regatta events coordinator.