Congaree National Park - 2009 Junior Ranger Ecology Camp (U.S. National Park Service)

Do you know a rising fifth grader who enjoys the outdoors? Does your child like to study plants, animals, and the natural world? Would you like your child to experience one of America’s National Parks right here in the midlands of South Carolina? Then consider enrolling your child in the FREE 2009 Junior Ranger Ecology Camp at Congaree National Park!

The Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center at Congaree National Park is offering two camp sessions this summer! Session I runs from June 8-12, and Session II runs from June 22-26. Each session runs Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Each session focuses on outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, and scientific data collection, as well as crafts, writing, and hands-on standards-based science lessons taught by National Park Service staff. The goals of the camp are to increase familiarity with the National Park Service mission; showcase the plants, animals, and ecological features of Congaree’s floodplain forest; promote science education; and promote resource stewardship. Upon completion of camp, each camper will be sworn in as an official National Park Service Junior Ranger and receive a commemorative patch and pin.

The camp is free of charge, but advance registration is required and enrollment is limited to 20 campers per session. Registration for both sessions begins onsite at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2009 at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center. At that time, campers may be registered in person at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two campers registered by any one parent, guardian, or designated adult at a time. Reservations may not be made by phone. Registration will run until both sessions are full, with a waiting list for each camp in the event of any cancellations.

For details about the 2009 Junior Ranger Ecology Camp, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on our website at www.nps.gov/cong/forkids/2009-Junior-Ranger-Ecology-Camp.htm or contact David Shelley, Education Coordinator at 803.776.4396, ext. 3966. For maps and more information about Congaree National Park, you can visit our website at www.nps.gov/cong or contact the front desk at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061, phone 803.776.4396.

How much does camp cost?

The camp is FREE for eligible campers (see below).

Who is eligible? Any child who:

Is a rising fifth grader (i.e. completed fourth grade in the Spring of 2009 and expects to enter the fifth grade in the Fall of 2009)
Will commit to activities on all five days of each session
Has independent transportation to and from the park
Can bring a sack lunch
Is completely registered at least one week in advance of the camp session

When are the sessions?

Session I runs June 8-12, 2009
Session II runs June 22-26, 2009

What is the daily schedule?

Each camp session runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Early arrivals and extended stay programs are not available. Campers who arrive more than 15 minutes early or stay more than 15 minutes late will not be allowed to continue to participate in camp.

Two short, optional pre-camp orientations for parents, guardians, and campers will be held at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center on the Tuesday before each session:

Session I: Tuesday, June 2, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Session II: Tuesday, June 16, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Parents and guardians are invited to a graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon of each session (Friday, June 12 for Session I and Friday, June 26 for Session II) from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a Camper-led boardwalk tour from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m.

How will registration work?

Advance registration is required; walk-ins cannot be accepted for camp programs. Registration for both sessions opens at 8:30 am on Monday, May 4, 2009. No camper will be registered before this time. Registrations will be recorded on a first-come, first-served basis in person at the front desk. A limit of two campers may be registered by any one parent, guardian, or other designated adult at a time. No phone reservations can be accepted.
Enrollment is limited to 20 campers per session, although the park will maintain an active waiting list. After Monday, May 4, 2009, reservations must be made in person with David C. Shelley, Education Coordinator, who is normally present at the park office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration (including completion of forms and waivers discussed below) must be completed one week in advance of the session.

What does registration involve?

Initial registration will only involve adding a child’s name and contact information to the list. At that time, parents or guardians will receive a packet of registration forms and waivers. Completed and signed registration forms must be returned to David Shelley, Education Coordinator, within 2 weeks (14 days); otherwise the reservation may be lost to a child on the waiting list. Completed and signed registration forms will be required at least one week in advance for all campers. Campers with late forms will not be allowed to participate.

Who will staff the camp?

The camp will be staffed by National Park Service rangers at the Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center at Congaree National Park, including several with degrees in science and resource management. Student Conservation Association (SCA) interns will also assist with staffing. Screened volunteers may also assist with staffing (see below).

What about Volunteers?

Individuals interested in volunteering should contact David Shelley at 803.776.4396, ext. 3966. There are several potential jobs available, but working with the campers directly will involve a formal South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) background check that may take 4 weeks or more to complete. Parent / guardian volunteers will not be allowed to directly supervise their own campers.

What will campers do?

Activities include hiking, canoeing, games, art projects, songs, writing, and hands-on Congaree-themed science lessons taught by park staff.

What about weather?

Much of the camp will be spent outdoors, and campers should be dressed and ready for fun outdoor activities in the hot and sunny South Carolina summer. Camps will run rain or shine, although activities may depend on weather conditions.

What do campers need to bring?

Campers are required to wear closed-toe shoes that attach to their feet (i.e. no Crocs, flip-flops, sandals, etc.) and bring a sack lunch.
The park will provide coolers with ice (to store lunches), drinking water, water bottles, string backpacks, and emergency rain ponchos for use during camp.
A hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, and sunglasses are highly recommended.

For maps and more information

For maps and more information about Congaree National Park, including directions, you can visit our website at www.nps.gov/cong or contact the front desk at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061, phone 803.776.4396.