Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Unveils New Junior Ranger Workbook

Park Ranger Butch Davis (left) and Superintendent Mark Woods (right) congratulate Junior Ranger Dakota Saylor

NPS PHOTO

News Release Date: December 3, 2007

Contact: Carol Borneman, [phone], ext. 1070

November 20^th was a day of celebration at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park as park staff, junior rangers and parents unveiled the park’s new Junior Ranger Workbook. Junior Ranger Dakota Saylor of Rose Hill, Virginia was recognized for his art which appears on the workbook cover, while Anton Sorenson of Shorewood, Wisconsin, Jenna Walden of London, Kentucky and Emma Wiley of Middlesboro, Kentucky were commended for their drawing contributions to Art Splash!, a workbook activity.

Cumberland Gap was a 2007 recipient of a National Park Foundation Junior Ranger Ambassador Grant, which provided for Jenny Litzelman, a Student Conservation Association intern from Raleigh, North Carolina to spend eleven weeks at the park designing the book. During the celebration, Superintendent Mark Woods applauded the Foundation for its generous support to the Junior Ranger Program. “While Cumberland Gap has always had a Junior Ranger Program, the National Park Foundation grant has allowed our program to become much more robust. The National Park Ranger Motto is ‘Explore. Learn. Protect.’ We certainly want children coming to Cumberland Gap and participating in our expanded program to embrace this philosophy.” Woods also acknowledged a generous donation from park partner Eastern National which allowed 2000 workbook copies to be printed.

Park Ranger Butch Davis, who coordinates the Junior Ranger Program, described the workbook as “chocked full of activities that truly engage our young, curious visitors.” “Ms. Litzelman worked closely with park staff and junior rangers in developing an incredible array of activities. The workbook also includes a music CD recorded by park rangers and volunteers.” Ranger Davis shared with all Beat Brush Mountain, one of his favorite workbook activities. “Beat Brush Mountain is a tribute to those folks who in the early 1900’s moved to the top of Brush Mountain in what is now the park. Adhering to the pioneer lifestyle, these self-sufficient people walked nearly five miles to leave Brush Mountain to go into town for supplies. At first, there was no clear route to get off the mountain. Settlers had to create trails that could be navigated by foot. This activity includes a mind energizing maze in which youngsters must create their own trail to get off the mountain.” Other activities include Saddle of the Gap Scavenger Hunt, Hidden Hiking Gear, A Balanced Bear Diet, and Wanted! Exotic Invaders.

Junior ranger enthusiasts can request a workbook by calling 606-248-2817, extension 1075. Workbooks can also be requested through the park’s web page. Upon completion, junior rangers will be awarded a junior ranger badge.

About the National Park Foundation
The National Park Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress in 1967 to continue a century-long tradition of private philanthropy ensuring funding to preserve and enhance the legacy of our National Parks. As the official non-profit partner of America’s National Parks, the National Park Foundation does not receive federal appropriations for their support. The National Park Foundation serves to strengthen the connection between the American people and their national parks by raising private funds, making strategic grants, creating innovative partnerships and increasing public awareness. Support of the National Park Foundation ensures that the evolving history and rich heritage of our Nation remains vital and relevant.

About Eastern National
Eastern National is a non-profit organization that provides quality educational products and services to the visitors to America’s national parks and other public trusts. Eastern National operates educational outlets in over 170 national parks and public lands in 30 states. Since 1947, Eastern National has donated over $89 million to the National Park Service.