Be A Junior Ranger

Junior Ranger booklet, badge, and patches

NPS/ANDE

What is it like to be a Civil War prisoner at Andersonville?

Whom would you trust?

Would you try to escape?

Will you survive?

All these questions and more are part of "Captured! A Prisoner of War Story", the innovative Junior Ranger activity book available at the National Prisoner of War Museum. This free, choose-your-own-adventure style book will take kids and their families through the difficult choices of a prisoner held at Andersonville. Activities explore the National Prisoner of War Museum, the historic Camp Sumter prison site, and Andersonville National Cemetery. Upon completion, Junior Rangers can earn an official Andersonville Junior Ranger badge and "Key to Freedom" patch.

This program is best suited for visitors 8 years old to adults. Younger visitors are encouraged to explore the park and the prisoner of war experience with the help of an adult or older reading buddy.

The book takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, but additional time should be allowed for further exploration of museum exhibits, films, and park grounds.

If you are unable to visit Andersonville, Junior Ranger books can be aquired via email at [e-mail] or by phone at 229-924-0343. Once completed the books can be mailed to the address below in order to receive your badge.

How can I make sure I have a great visit to Andersonville?

Be on your BEST behavior!

B - Be Respectful. This place is important. Fathers, brothers, and sons died and are buried here. Treat everything with care because the monuments and cemetery represent family. Low voices and quiet walking shows respect and lets everyone learn.

E - Earthworks Are Original. Those interesting grassy mounds around the cannons are 150 years old. Protect and preserve them for others to see by NOT walking on them.

S - Shoes on the Ground. Do not climb or sit on headstones, cannons, monuments, or structures.

T - Trust. As a Junior Ranger, you are trusted to be a steward or guardian of national parks. Follow the rules and help others to be safe.

If everyone is on their BEST behavior, then we all succeed.