For Kids

For Kids

The De Soto Visitor Center has a great hands-on exhibit for young and old alike. This exhibit allows you to try on pieces of armor and imagine marching in De Soto's army. Conquistadors wore up to 80 pounds of armor and often trekked 12 miles per day.

Junior Ranger Activity Book

Click on the link above and see how you can become a Junior Ranger!

 

John Moerk

 

Junior Ranger Summer Camps are now full, no more applications will be accepted.

Join us at DeSoto National Memorial

For our Annual Junior Ranger Summer Camp

Junior Ranger Summer Camp is an educational and fun way for your kids to learn about Florida's native and Spanish history and experience the outdoors. Kids will be instructed by Park Rangers about what it means to be a Junior Ranger and discover the importance of America's National Parks.

Open enrollment — We offer open enrolment for children between the ages of 6 to 11, who are interested in exploring and being outdoors!

Registration is free — That is right all registration and activities are 100% free of charge.

Experience History — Junior Ranger will learn about all aspects of the place they live and the National Parks. Topics range from Florida's environments, orienteering, archaeology, and commemorating 500 years of Florida's history.

Two Weeks to Choose From— This year Junior Ranger Summer Camp will run for one solid week Monday through Friday, 9:00am to Noon. The first week offered for camp will be June 24^th through 28^th. Sign up will begin May 9^th. There will be a second week offered July 29^th through August 2^nd; sign up for this week will begin June 24^th. There will 15 spots open either week so sign up early!

Registration is easy— Register your child beginning May 9^th by visiting our web site www.nps.gov/deso. Click on the Junior Ranger Summer Camp link and download the registration form, or pick one up at the Visitor Center and you can:

1)Drop it off at the park to the Visitor Center Information desk

2)fax it to us at 941-792-5094

3)Or email a digital copy to e-mail us or

e-mail us

But hurry space is limited and camp days do fill up quickly!

Submission of forms does not guarantee spot. All spots are filled on a first come first serve basis. Is submitting by email or fax please call 941-792-0458 to ensure receipt.

What the Junior Ranger Will Need— We Ask that parents please provide the following for their Junior Rangers:

1.Re-usable Water Bottle

2.Hat

3.Sunscreen

4.An end of camp snack

5.Closed toed shoes or sneakers (No flip flops or open toed sandals)

On Water Day Junior Rangers will need:

1.Closed toed and heel water shoes ( No flip flops of sandals)

2.A Towel

3.All other daily expected items

To download registration forms please click here or visit our Facebook page, KeywordDe Soto National Memorial