Calling all children ages 10-12 for a week of fun, educational and entertaining activities as part of Wilderness Road State Park’s annual Junior Rangers program set for Monday, July 19 through Friday, July 23 from 9 am- 12 noon daily. Fllowing a highly successful Junior Rangers program for ages 6-9 years last week, the park is excited to offer a second program with another fun-filled week-long journey with participants having the opportunity to explore nature at its best through many different hands on activities. These activities will include sweep netting for bugs, planting trees, looking for aquatic creatures, and going on an Amazing Race using GPS (Global Positioning Systems).
Critters in the Creek! will open an aquatic world that is waiting to be uncovered. Through a virtual game of hide and seek, Junior Rangers will encounter crawdads, salamanders, aquatic insects and bugs as well as small fish and minnows as they explore an underwater environment. “This portion of our program will provide a safe opportunity for kids to learn fascinating facts about aquatic creatures by turning over submerged rocks, looking under logs and seining with a net,” explains Olivia Norton, Conservation Intern at Wilderness Road State Park. “So get ready for a fun-filled day of adventure!”
It’s a Bug’s World! will teach the technique of sweep netting to capture bugs to look at in the bug viewer. They will learn about different types of bugs, their unique characteristics, how important bugs are to have around, and the exciting world in which they live. The children will also be exposed to a unique collection of bugs collected locally to view up close and personal.
The Habitat in which We Live! will educate children on how important habitat is to an animal’s survival, and the different lifestyles animals have. It will offer a glimpse into the wild world of Wilderness Road State Park where many animals call home. Some of these animals include the gray squirrel, cotton-tail rabbit, American bison and white-tailed deer. The kids will learn about their habitats and behavior through various games and activities including a walk along the park grounds and around the woods which may offer clues as to what animals live in which habitats.
The Plants Around Us! will offer a great opportunity to walk along some trails at the park and learn about various plants, trees, what makes them grow, and the importance of growing a garden yourself. The children will be educated on the different parts of the water cycle and how this all comes together and helps create the world in which we live.
The Amazing Race! will challenge the children with a scavenger hunt using GPS navigational units provided by the park. This race will consist of various waypoints that include hidden clues and facts the children need to know in order to win!
A graduation ceremony will be conducted on the final day of the program with family and friends invited to attend with light refreshments provided by the park. “With a team effort from the staff at Wilderness Road State Park, I’m sure this will be a fun, educational and enjoyable summer experience among nature’s beauty! I can’t wait to host the rangers again for a full, fun-filled week of adventure,” concluded Norton.
Pre-registration is required and space is limited. For the safety of the children during this week of fun outdoor experiences; hats, sunblock, and bug spray are recommended. With most activities requiring walking along various terrains, it is recommended children wear comfortable shoes.
For more information, or to register, please call the park office at 276-445-3065 or email us at: [email protected].
