Virtual Junior Ranger Summer Camp: Day 5—Kick Start to Summer

Turtle among foliage at the C&O Canal.

NPS Photo / C&O Canal NHP

Colors of the Canal

The C&O Canal is filled with scenic views, natural beauty, wildlife, and picturesque examples of 1800s engineering. Before there were even colored cameras, visitors of the Canal were inspired to capture the beauty and awe.

Learn how to sustainably take pictures in the Park, how art has inspired conservation, and even view artwork from youth inspired by nature across the National Park Service. How many colors of the Canal can you capture?

1. In this activity you will be invited to explore the C&O Canal and challenged to creatively capture its beauty and scenic views.
2. Put your creative skills to the challenge and check out the activities Mindfulness Drawing and C&O Canal Monthly Photo Contest.
3. Connect with us on social media and share your summer camp adventure by using the hashtags #CanalKidsVJR or #CanalKidActivities.

Painting of historic view at Lockhouse 16.

NPS Photo / Chris Calfee

Treasured Landscapes

This exhibit showcases paintings, watercolors, sketches, and other works on paper from over 50 National Park Service museum collections. These works of art are seen together here for the first time to illustrate and tell the story of the Service’s first 100 years. Explore the different collections to view amazing artwork from parks across the NPS!

America's Treasured Places	Hudson River School
American Experiences	Eminent Americans at Home
Index by Park	Index by Artist

Acrylic painting by artist Constance Baltuck created for Kobuk Valley National Park through the Artist-In-Residence program.

NPS Photo / Noatak National Preserve

NPS Artists-in-Residence

Are you known as the "creative one" out of your friends and family? Consider becoming an Artist-in-Residence for the National Parks! Artists have created art in national parks since the late 19th century. These programs provide various types of artists the opportunities to create work in varied natural and cultural settings sharing their artwork with the public. Learn about the program, see the digital collections, and more.

Mural in Georgetown that pays homage to the famous Japanese print by Katsushika Hokusai “Great Wave off Kanagawa."

NPS and Georgetown BID Photo / Raisa Barrera

Georgetown Public Art Self-guided Tour

Explore the beautiful public art on display in the Georgetown, Washington, DC, neighborhood of the C&O Canal with this self-guided walking tour! Washington DC is well-known for the building murals, art scene, and towering architecture. Find the art installation using the address. Learn about each piece, its meaning, and start a conversation about what it means to you.

Daisy, Asteraceae

NPS Photo / Hollie Lynch

Mindfulness Drawing Activity

Do you enjoy art but aren't exactly an artist? This activity that doesn't require drawing skills, just your imagination and drawing supplies. Do this activity anywhere on the towpath or in your own backyard! Combine relaxation, focused creativity, and a beautiful scenic view with the Mindfulness Drawing Activity.

Common crackle.

NPS Photo

C&O Canal Trust Monthly Photo Contest

Hey shutterbugs, share your photography! The C&O Canal Trust hosts a monthly Facebook photo contest encouraging visitors to submit their photography inspired by the Canal. Entries will be posted on the Canal Trust Facebook page each month for voting. The picture that receives the most “Likes” during that month will be featured on their Facebook cover photo and will appear in the monthly email newsletter, and print newsletter.