Calling All Junior Rangers!
Tuesday, May 08, 2012 | 07:52am
Burgess Falls Offers Summer Day Camps for 3rd through 6th 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, fifth or sixth grade in the 2012-2013 school year. Both a basic Junior Ranger Day Camp and an advanced Junior Ranger 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 seventh year, our Junior Ranger Day Camps provide a unique opportunity for children to learn about the great outdoors in a fun environment,” said Bill Summers, park manager. “We put a lot of thought and effort into our programs and activities, which are specifically tailored for children between the ages of 5 and 12. Not only is it an award-winning program, our Junior Ranger camps offer an incredible value to parents looking for quality, 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, Primitive Weapons, Rope and Paper Making, Canoeing, Fire Making, Ecology and Introduction to Biological Research.
An advanced Junior Ranger program also will be offered for those who have completed the basic camp. Advanced class topics include Basic Backpacking and Camping workshops, Map and Compass, Crime Scene Investigation, Tracking, Advanced Aquatics, Birds of Prey, Hiking and other subjects.
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 Day Camp. Enrollment is limited to 20 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 2:30 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 non-refundable fee for the advanced Junior Ranger program. Camp tuition 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: Basic Junior Ranger Day Camp: June 11 - 15, 2012 (8-12 years of age)
· Week #2: Basic Junior Ranger Day Camp: June 18 - 22, 2012 (8-12 years of age)
· Week #3: Advanced Junior Ranger Day Camp: June 25 - 29, 2012 (ages 10 and up / requires prior completion of the basic program)
Two Mini Ranger Camp sessions will be offered for 5- to 8-year-olds. The first two-day session is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, May 31 - June 1; the second session will be held Thursday and Friday, June 7-8. All mini sessions are from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and parents are welcome to attend. This is an introductory camp and will include topics such as nature appreciation, protecting the environment and park ranger duties. The mini sessions are free, but enrollment is limited to 20 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 designed to engage our 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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