Park Photo

Junior Rangers and their shields.

First Junior Ranger Summer Camp
At De Soto National Memorial
Comes to an End

 De Soto National Memorial inaugural Junior Ranger Summer Camp came to an end on Friday August 8th. Campers learned and did activities to such topics as Florida Indian culture, the De Soto expedition of 1539, the importance of America's National Parks, Conservation & the role Park Rangers play in all of these topics. Some of the activities Junior Rangers participated in were creating their own native pottery, painting shields, making paper, trail hikes and the importance of fire and the natural to the environment. Junior Ranger camp concluded with a night hike and graduation ceremony. Park Rangers led campers through the trails by candlelight and told stories about local legends.   

The first summer camp was declared a overwhelming success by parents and most importantly the Junior Rangers themselves. Many thanks have gone out to park staff like Park Ranger Sarah Schoenfelder, who organized the curriculum and camp activities, and Volunteer Ron Schoenfelder who donated his Fridays to help out in camp. A special thanks go out to all the parents and Junior Rangers who without their cooperation & participation this first successful summer camp would not have been possible. 

Please watch out for future Junior Ranger Camps. We are right now in the planning for a winter break mini camp and please keep us in mind for next summer.