Flight 93 to Launch New Junior Ranger Program

Date: June 24, 2014
Contact: Adam Shaffer, [phone]

SHANKSVILLE, PA: Flight 93 National Memorial is releasing their new Junior Ranger Program for its youngest visitors this Saturday, June 28 by holding a "Junior Ranger Day." The Junior Ranger Program is a national program offered at National Parks across the country. The program activities and illustrations at Flight 93 are the collaborative work of an academic team from the University of Pittsburgh and Flight 93 ranger staff. Rangers also partnered with experts from Highmark Caring Place and The Fred Rogers Company to provide a concise, child-friendly story of Flight 93 and the events of September 11, 2001.

The Junior Ranger Program provides activities that connect Flight 93 to the larger National Park System, but also explores three themed sections that introduce children to the memorial as "A Place of Reflection," "A Place of Honor," and "A Call to Action." Flight 93 Superintendent Jeff Reinbold said, "The academic team from the University of Pittsburgh was instrumental in helping our rangers adapt the memorial's key themes into child-readable and child-friendly activities." Each Flight 93-themed section of the booklet contains three activities that progress in difficulty.

The University of Pittsburgh academic team includes a specialist in art therapy, as well as School of Education alumni, graduate students, and professors.Dr. Mary Margaret Kerr, the team director, said, "This partnership's many conversations, reflecting multiple disciplines and perspectives were professionally enriching for our team and led to a field tested and carefully thought out booklet that provides a resource for children to better understand Flight 93 National Memorial."

Participants who complete the Flight 93 Junior Ranger Program are asked to take the Junior Ranger Pledge and then receive a signed certificate and an official Junior Ranger badge. The Junior Ranger Program at Flight 93 was designed specifically for children ages 6 to 12, although people of all ages can participate.

As part of "Junior Ranger Day" on June 28, children will additionally have the opportunity to learn more about the memorial at the Children's Discovery Table through a variety of hands-on activities, including the opportunity to make a tribute. This free, family-friendly experience will be offered from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Children who wish to participate in the launch of the Junior Ranger Program can participate any time throughout the day. The Junior Ranger Program is available daily upon request.To plan your visit, check the park website at www.nps.gov/flni/planyourvisit.

About the Flight 93 National Memorial
On September 24, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Flight 93 National Memorial Act. The Act created a new national park unit to commemorate the passengers and crew of Flight 93 who, on September 11, 2001, courageously gave their lives thereby thwarting a planned on our nation's capital. The memorial is near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where Flight 93 crashed with the loss of its 40 passengers and crew. For more information on how to make a donation and help build the memorial, go to www.honorflight93.org

###