News Release

Junior Ranger Camp 2021

Date: May 15, 2021
Contact: BJ Cluff, 505-425-8025

Watrous, NM: Fort Union National Monument is offering Junior Ranger Camps on May 27th and 28th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. These fun-filled days are tailored for children ages 7 – 9 on May 27, and ages 10 - 12 on May 28. The camp will allow children the opportunity to jump into the past with activities and programs highlighting life at a frontier fort and along the Santa Fe Trail. The camp is free of charge.

This year’s camp will emphasize the Santa Fe Trail, as one of the celebrations happening throughout the year highlighting the 200th anniversary of trade along the Trail. In addition to learning and walking along the trail, children will increase historical literacy and understanding as they learn about life of American Indians on the high plains, soldier duties at Fort Union, wildlife of the area, and the purpose and origins of the Santa Fe Trail as a trade route. Activities like adobe brick making, Santa Fe Trail scavenger hunt, long-distance messaging, and living history demonstrations will make for an exciting and memorable day.

Extra efforts will be made to emphasize COVID safety protocols, including limiting the number of children registered, wearing masks, and proper social distancing. To increase safety, activities will be held outdoors.

Fort Union was the largest frontier military post and supply center of the Southwest. The National Park Service preserves and protects the historic Fort Union and ruts of the Santa Fe Trail. The park is located off I-25 exit 366, then 8 miles along State Hwy 161. For more information or to register your child, contact Fort Union National Monument at [phone].