National Junior Ranger Day at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Curious youngsters explore a National Lakeshore beach in order to earn their Junior Ranger badges. Photo courtesy of the National Park Service.

News Release Date: April 20, 2010

Contact: Jennifer Wurts, 231-326-5134

On Saturday, April 24, children of all ages are invited to become Junior Rangers at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on National Junior Ranger Day. Special activities begin at 10:00 a.m. and are planned throughout the day, with a badge and swearing-in ceremony at 3:00 p.m. To earn a Junior Ranger badge and an official certificate, prospects will just need to go on one Park Ranger-led program (morning or afternoon) and complete a few activities in the free Junior Ranger booklet that will be available at the Visitor Center in Empire. Adults must accompany children at all times.

“We are excited about celebrating the 4^th Annual National Junior Ranger Day,” said Lisa Myers, Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services at the National Lakeshore. “All across the country, from Yosemite National Park in California to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, people of all ages will go outside to explore, learn and protect their national parks.” At the National Lakeshore, Park Rangers will offer the following programs:

• 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Adventure Hikes - Meet the Park Ranger at the Visitor Center to car caravan to the secret sites for our National Junior Ranger Day outdoor adventures.
  
  
• 3:00 p.m.: Junior Ranger Ceremony - Meet at the Visitor Center to take the Junior Ranger oath and receive a badge and certificate. There will be light refreshments and prizes for all.

All activities are free. Likewise, in honor of National Park Week from April 17-25, 2010, entrance fees at the National Lakeshore and all 392 national park sites will be waived. 

For more information about the schedule or other Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore activities, please call the Visitor Center at 231-326-5134.