Calling All Junior Rangers!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 | 07:50am
Burgess Falls Offers Summer Day Camps for 3rd through 5th Graders; Mini Ranger Sessions to be Held for 5- to 8-Year-Olds
SPARTA, Tenn. – Burgess Falls State Park will once again offer a series of day camps this summer for young people who will be entering the third, fourth or fifth grade in the 2011-2012 school year. Both a basic Ranger Day Camp and an advanced Ranger 2 Day Camp will be offered. In addition, several “mini” camp sessions will be held for students entering the first or second grade in the upcoming school year.
“In its sixth year, our Junior Ranger Day Camps provide a wonderful opportunity for children in the community,” said Bill Summers, park manager. “The programs and activities are specially tailored for children between the ages of 5 and 12 and are designed to be fun and engaging – a great way for kids to learn about the great outdoors, while offering a tremendous value to parents looking for summer activities.”
Class topics for Junior Rangers enrolled in the basic program include Reptiles and Amphibians, Aquatics, Map and Compass, Birds of Prey, Insects and Spiders, Ecology and Introduction to Biological Research.
An advanced Junior Ranger 2 program also will be offered for those who have completed the basic camp. Advanced class topics include Basic Hiking and Camping workshops, Map and Compass, Organic Gardening, Knots, Tracking, Advanced Aquatics, Birds of Prey and other topics.
Campers will need sturdy footwear for hiking and water shoes or old sneakers for wading in the river for creek studies. All Junior Rangers should apply sunscreen before arrival at camp each day and will need to bring additional sunscreen, daily water and snacks, a hat or cap and small backpack.
Three one-week camps will be offered, including two basic Junior Ranger Day Camps and one advanced Junior Ranger 2 Camp. Enrollment is limited to 17 pre-registered campers each week and day camp hours are 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. for the basic Junior Ranger program and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the advanced camp, Monday through Friday.
There is a $20 non-refundable fee per student for the basic Junior Ranger Day Camp and a $25 fee for the advanced Junior Ranger 2 program. Fees must be paid at least two weeks prior to attendance.
Junior campers may choose to attend one of the following camp sessions, but enrollment is limited so early registration is encouraged:
- Week #1: Junior Ranger Day Camp: June 6 - 10, 2011 (basic program / 8-11 years of age)
- Week #2: Junior Ranger Day Camp: June 13 - 17, 2011 (basic program / 8-11 years of age)
- Week #3: Junior Ranger 2 Camp: June 20 - 24, 2011 (advanced program – requires prior completion of the basic program)
A Mini Ranger Camp session will be offered for 5- to 8-year-olds on Wednesday, June 1 and Thursday, June 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Parents are welcome to attend. Class topics for the mini sessions include Aquatics, Reptiles and Amphibians, Care of Plants and Trees, Basic Gardening Skills, along with several ranger-led hikes. The Mini Ranger Day Camp is free, but enrollment is limited to 10 pre-registered campers for each session. Students may choose to attend one or both mini sessions.
“It’s never too early to begin educating children to love and appreciate our precious natural resources and our mini sessions are perfect for younger students,” added Summers.
For more information or to request a registration packet, please call the park office at (931) 432-5312 or e-mail bill.summers@tn.gov.
Located in Middle Tennessee on the eastern edge of Tennessee's Highland Rim adjacent to the Cumberland Plateau, Burgess Falls State Park is characterized by sheer bluffs, narrow ridges, rolling water and abundant mixed forest. The Falling Water River runs through the area, providing breathtaking scenery and numerous waterfalls.
To learn more about Burgess Falls, please visit www.tnstateparks.com/BurgessFalls.
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