My first memory of the Junior Ranger program was when our daughter participated while on our family trip to Mount Rushmore (that trip will have another entire post at some time because it is quite a story).  She was eleven at the time.  I can remember her eagerly going through the exhibits answering the questions in the Junior Ranger book.  Upon completion, she presented it to the Park Ranger to be sworn in to protect the National Parks.  

My only regret is that we already had a few National Parks under our belt before this trip and we did not take advantage of them (the Statue of Liberty saddens me the most).  Many of the National Parks post their Junior Ranger information online near the educators section under kids.  I have spent a fair amount of time doing research across many of the parks looking for information for my own students. Although Mt. Rushmore's Junior Ranger book is not available online, the website does offer a kids' fun page with more information to learn about the four presidents.  Please click on the link below to access the fun page.

In honor of Patriot's Day, I am choosing to post Moffat's visit to Minute Man National Historical Park in Concord, Massachusetts.  Happy National Parks Week Day Two.  

My daughter and I were in Boston several years ago to cheer my college roommate on as she ran the Boston Marathon. As a traveler who wants to see and experience it all, we took the train up to Concord one afternoon to visit Minute Man National Historical Park.  For as much as I wanted to visit during all the weekend activities, we were unable to but were able to visit on Monday.

Due to the tight train schedule, my daughter and I took turns jogging to cross the bridge to make it to the visitors center before it closed.  I felt like we were doing our own miniature amazing race.  We were able to make it to the visitor's center where my daughter was able to turn in her junior ranger packet and receive her badge.  

We were able to take a slightly more leisurely pace as we walked back into town to catch the train. I still would have like more time.  What struck me as we walked back was that we were walking in a space that the start for the fight for our country's freedom began.  It was a little overwhelming to think about.  Along the way, the flowers that were beginning to bloom were a reminder of a new start.

I thought it would be fitting to start off National Park week with photos from the National Mall and Memorials in Washington DC.  These two photos were taken at the Jefferson Memorial.  The photo above is taken from the steps looking north across Tidal Basin towards the Washington Monument. As always, I enjoy meeting the rangers that are on duty during our visit.  They are always very helpful and informative.  One of my treats for my classroom is the Junior Ranger Badge.

I have no memory of going to a National Park as a child.  Now, it is something I treasure.  The NPS's Junior Ranger program is an engaging way to encourage learning during an adventure.  Please take the time to expose your young children to the amazingly rich sites our country has to offer!