Park Photo

Park Ranger Ben Sims teaches the Junior Rangers about how far De Soto traveled.

Junior Ranger Summer Camp 2009

an overwhelming success!

     Junior Ranger Summer camp ended its 2009 session on August 18th with the end of camp graduation and night hike. Due to positive response from last years camp, De Soto national memorial expanded the camp to two days a week. Spaces filled fast with many new and repeat Junior Rangers. This years camp was headed by the outstanding leadership of Park Rangers Meghan Donato and Ben Sims as well as the excellent support of volunteers Ron Schoenfelder and Nicole Acevedo.

Camp activities this year included such highlights as make your own conquistador, crafting Indian jewelry, and a fieldtrip to the South Florida Museum. When asked most of the Junior Rangers loved the day spent out in the water collecting and learning about native fish and marine animals.

The end of season graduation and night hike was a great success with more than twenty Junior Rangers  and their families attending. Junior Rangers completed their camp flag showed off their projects and accomplishments and accompanied Superintendent Scott Pardue and Park Ranger Dan Stephens on a walk at dusk through De Soto's trails. here they heard many stories and legends relating to De Soto's journey and the Native Americans.

We thank all Junior Rangers who had fun and participated as well as their families for the support. We look forward to next years Junior Ranger Camp with many new faces and activities!

New Junior Ranger Activity Book release party on September 25. 

    Mark your calendar everyone is invited to De Soto National Memorials Junior Ranger Activity Book release party hosted by the South Florida Museum. On hand will be the artist Hermann Trappman who's art decorates the cover of the new book as well as Jessie Lampack who penned the art work seen throughout the book. There will be many activities as well as prizes for all Junior Rangers as well as a reception with the artists and De Soto National Memorial staff and Park Rangers. Doors to the event open at 6:00pm please RSVP with either De Soto National Memorial or with the South Florida Museum.

File Photo

A re-enactor talks to a visitor about the history of the Cracker Horse.

De Soto National Memorial Invites You to Five Centuries of Florida History in One Day

Come experience Florida’s unique history through the eyes of over twenty re-enactors. On Saturday March 28^th, join us as we host re-enactors representing people from all key periods of Florida history. Visit with Spanish conquistadors, Seminole warriors, Florida Crackers, and soldiers from the Civil War to Vietnam.