Shenandoah National Park - National Junior Ranger Day (U.S. National Park Service)

A fireman helps a young boy receive hands-on experience with a real fire hose.

NPS Photo

“EXPLORE, LEARN, PROTECT”

Shenandoah National Park Sponsors Junior Ranger Day - April 26, 2008

Have you ever put your hand into a bear’s footprint? Have you ever been so close to an owl that you could look it in the eye? Have you ever talked to a wildland firefighter? Here’s your chance!

Shenandoah National Park has special activities planned for National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 26, 2008. The program is designed to help children and families connect with parks in ways that engage them with the theme, “Explore, Learn, Protect: Be a Junior Ranger.”

Most of the programs are open to visitors of all ages. Special “Junior Ranger Day” buttons and certificates will be available.

In addition to the special activities, the park will offer its regular schedule of ranger-led programs. You can find more information about each program by clicking on the links below. Activities meet at Byrd Visitor Center, Milepost 51 on Skyline Drive, unless otherwise noted. There is no charge for the programs, and there’s no need to register.

Junior Ranger Day Programs and Activities

Time	Description	Location
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.	Byrd Visitor Center open: Exhibits and information.	Milepost 51
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.	Birds of Prey Program Here’s your chance to meet live raptors, face to beak!	Meet at Big Meadows Amphitheater.
10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.	Touch Table Get a feel for nature’s diversity.	Byrd Visitor Center
11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Bells and Whistles! Meet a law enforcement park ranger.	Meet at Byrd Visitor Center
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.	Discovery Hike Come prepared to be amazed at what you can find in an hour’s time.	Meet at Byrd Visitor Center
1:00 - 1:25 p.m.	Bear Talk Learn about the lifestyle of Shenandoah’s largest mammal.	Byrd Visitor Center
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.	More Bells and Whistles! Check out our fire truck!	Byrd Visitor Center
2:00 -3:30 p.m.	Junior Ranger Program Designed for ages 7-12. Join a ranger for fun, hands-on activities that connect you to the natural world. Children must be accompanied by an adult.	Meet at Byrd Visitor Center
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.	Stony Man Hike Meet at Stony Man parking area, mile 41.7, for a hike to Shenandoah’s second-highest peak.	Meet at Stony Man Trailhead (mile 41.7)
3:30 - 4:00 p.m.	Smile! Take your photo with a live owl. Kids only, please.	Byrd Visitor Center
7:30 - 8:15 p.m.	Evening Ranger Program “What’s So Special About Shenandoah?” PowerPoint presentation.	Meet in Byrd Visitor Center Auditorium.

National Junior Ranger Day is part of National Park Week, April 19-27. Special programs are being held at national parks around the country. Check out what other parks are doing by going here.