URGENT! Calling all pioneers ages 6-12!
Captain Martin is needing your services for four days of fun, educational and entertaining activities as part of Wilderness Road State Park’s annual Junior Pioneers program, set for Monday, June 11, 2012 through Thursday, June 14, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. daily!
Participants will have the opportunity to experience the lives of their forefathers through hands on activities such as shelter construction, fire building and more. On the final day they will receive a certificate of completion, honoring them as Wilderness Road State Park Junior Pioneers.
Junior Pioneers learn about hide tanning.
Let’s Start Building!
The young pioneers will discover how to build a longhunters camp using materials gathered in the nearby woods. Participants will have the opportunity to construct their own shelters.
Let’s Make Fire!
The Junior Pioneers will learn the primitive way of building a fire, a key to the success of all frontier life. They will learn the proper techniques in using flint and steel, along with wood they will gather, to create a fire.
Let’s Go for a Hike!
Pioneers will hike along the Indian Ridge trail to discover the various native trees and plants and their uses in the 18th century. They will also learn about the animals that roamed the Virginia frontier through hand-on displays such as animal tracks, hides and skulls.
Capt. Martin speaks with the Junior Pioneers
Let’s go Scouting!
The young pioneers will learn tracking techniques used by longhunters for years along Virginia’s early frontier. Participants will walk through the woods, looking for signs of animals, much like the longhunters did while trying to make their living with hides for trade.
“In addition, the Junior Pioneers will experience the chores and daily life or the families living on the frontier, such as working in the garden, fishing using only a string, cork and hook, and more,” explains Americorps Interpreter Kevin Wright. “This will be a great experience for any child that wants to come out and experience the lives their forefathers lived.”
Pre-registration is required. For the safety of the children during these fun outdoor experiences, hats, sunblock, and bug spray are recommended. Most activities require walking along various terrain so it is recommended that children wear comfortable shoes.
For more information, or to register, please call the park office at 276-445-3065 or email us at: click here.