Let kids discover and appreciate science, history, art and nature, on their level, with the NPS's Junior Ranger Programs. With booklets and badges the fun is guaranteed!
“Are we there yet?”
The time honored and universal question of childhood is in full force.
It’s summertime.
Should your minivan, station wagon or VW bug be filled with whines – head for the nearest National Park. Activities are diverse, fulfilling and best of all – your children will actually learn something without being bored.
Here is a sampling of the offerings at several SE USA locations:
ALABAMA
Horseshoe Bend National Park
See how the complicated relationship of the white man and the Native American exisited two centuries ago. In 1814 General Andrew Jackson fought Creek Indians with the resulting encounter being the costliest single battle of Native American lives in American history.
ARKANSAS
Arkansas Post National Historic Site
Six flags each flew over the post, and your favorite Junior Ranger needs to list them in order. A walk along nature trails can supply views of such creatures like alligators and armadillos. Learn the difference between a keel and flat boat and the definition of the word “Quapaw”.
FLORIDA
Everglades National Park/Biscayne National Park/Big Cypress National Preserve
Scavenger Hunt Bingo is a brightly colored game with simple rules. Spot four items in a row, and you win! Among the required sightings are an anole (lizard), a fish, a palm tree and a manatee. The importance of the mangrove is highlighted.
GEORGIA
Jimmy Carter National Historic Site
His name evokes the Presidency, Public Service and peanuts. This unique NPS site reminds visitors the importance of giving back to society.
KENTUCKY
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace
Discover where our 16th President was born and how his early Kentuckian years shaped the man. Also construct a replica of old Abe’s cabin with…Lincoln logs!
NORTH CAROLINA
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Flying this summer? Thank Orville and Wilbur Wright! Stop by Kill Devil Hills and let your child’s imagination soar!
Using Morse code they discover the message sent to Ohio following the successful flight over 100 years ago, walk the First Flight Path or find their way out of a maze.
OKLAHOMA
Fort Smith National Historic Site
The Trail of Tears brought Creek and Cherokee from their native southeastern homes to the wilds of Oklahoma in the 1830’s. Fort Smith was an important part of this human drama.
SOUTH CAROLINA
Ninety-Six National Historic Site
Once considered the backcountry America this historic site was lived on by first by the Cherokee and then settled by whites. Often battles ensued, including two fought during the Revolutionary War.
TENNESEE
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
What a place with black bears, and more kinds of salamanders than your fingers and toes. Upcoming Ranger talks include learning about Mammal Mania and the Smoky Mountain Elk.
TEXAS
Big Bend National Park
No one can claim boredom at Big Bend! Here the Rio Grande River, the Chihuahuan Desert and the Chisos Mountains all can be found. Nature trails like Window View or Lost Mine offer unique insight into this seemingly hostile environment and the people who have called it home for centuries
VIRGINA
Assateague Island National Seashore
It is renowned for ponies and beaches. Upon purchase of an activity book and after completing the tasks including ranger lead programs your child is wiser and more appreciative of the environment
A Mini Ranger program, for 4 – 5 year olds, covers the seashore.
With a car full of satisfied Junior Rangers – be prepared for the onslaught of a new question.
When are we going back?
For more info see: www.nps.gov
Not traveling to a NPS this summer? Let your kids visit the NOS webranger program at :
www.nps.gov/webrangers/index.html
