What does the press release say?

Are you the parent/guardian of a rising 5th grader who enjoys the outdoors? Does you child like to study plants, animals, and the natural world? Would you like your child to experience one of America's treasured National Parks right here in the midlands of South Carolina? Then come join the first ever FREE Congaree Summer Science Camp for Junior Rangers!

The Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center at Congaree National Park is currently planning for two camp sessions this summer! Each camp session will run from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Session I will run from July 7-11, and Session II will run from August 4-8. Each camp will focus on outdoor activities including hiking, canoeing, and scientific data collection as well as crafts, writing, and hands-on, standards-based science lessons all taught by National Park Service staff. The goals of the camp are to increase familiarity with the mission of the National Park Service; showcase common plants, animals, and ecological features of Congaree’s bottomland floodplain forest; and promote stewardship of South Carolina’s natural resources. Upon completion of camp, each camper will be officially “sworn in” as a National Park Service Junior Ranger and receive both a commemorative patch and pin.

The camp is free, but advance registration is required and enrollment is limited to 20 campers per session. Registration for both camp sessions will begin onsite at 8:30 am on Wednesday, May 21 at the Harry Hampton Visitors Center. At that time, reservations may be made in person at the front desk on a first-come-first-served basis, with a limit of two campers registered by any one parent, guardian, or designated adult at a time. Reservations may not be made by phone.

For detailed information on the Congaree Summer Science Camp for Junior Rangers, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on our website at www.nps.gov/cong/forkids/summer-camp-2008.htm or contact David Shelley, Education Coordinator at 803.776.4396 x 15. For maps and more information about Congaree National Park, you can visit our website at www.nps.gov/cong or contact the front desk at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061, phone 803.776.4396.

How much does the camp cost? The camp is FREE for eligible campers (see below).

Who is eligible? Any child who:

• Is a rising 5th grader (i.e. has completed 4th grade and expects to enter the 5th grade in the Fall of 2008)
• Will commit to activities on all five days of each session week
• Has transportation to and from the park
• Can bring a sack lunch
• Is completely registered at least one week in advance of the camp session

When are the camp sessions? Session I will run July 7-11, 2008, while Session II will run August 4-8, 2008.

What is the daily schedule for the camp?

• Each camp session will run from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm for five consecutive days. Early arrivals and extended stay programs are not available. Campers who arrive more than 15 minutes early or stay more than 15 minutes late will not be allowed to continue participation in the camp. 
• A short, optional pre-camp orientation for parents and guardians will be held from 8:30 – 9:00 am at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center on the Tuesday before each session (Tuesday, July 1 for Session I and Tuesday August 29 for Session II). 
• Parents and guardians are invited to a graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon of each session (Friday, July 11 for Session I and Friday, August 8 for Session II) from 2:00 to 3:00 pm, followed by a new-Junior-Ranger-assisted boardwalk tour from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

How will registration work?  Advance registration is required; walk-ins cannot be accepted for camp programs. Registration for both sessions will open at 8:30 on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. No camper will be registered before this time. Registrations will be recorded on a first-come-first-served basis in person at the front desk. A limit of two campers may be registered by any one parent, guardian, or other designated adult at a time. No phone reservations can be accepted. Enrollment is limited to 20 campers per session, although the park will maintain an active waiting list. After Wednesday, May 21, 2008, reservations must be made in person with David C. Shelley, education coordinator, who is normally present at the park office Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Registration (including completion of forms and waivers discussed below) must be completed one week in advance of the session.

What does registration involve?  Initial registration will only involve adding a child’s name and contact information to the list. At that time, parents or guardians will receive a packet of registration forms and waivers. Completed and signed registration forms must be returned to David Shelley, education coordinator, within 2 weeks (14 days); otherwise the reservation may be lost to a child on the waiting list. A photo of each camper will be required with each registration packet. Completed and signed registration forms will be required at least one week in advance for all campers. Campers with late forms cannot be allowed to participate.

Who will staff the camp?  The camp will be staffed by National Park Service rangers at the Old-Growth Bottomland Forest Research and Education Center at Congaree National Park, including several with degrees in science and resource management. Screened volunteers may also assist with staffing.

What will campers do?  Activities will include hiking, canoeing, crafts, writing, and hands-on Congaree-themed science lessons taught by park staff.

What about weather?  Much of the camp will be spent outdoors, and campers should be dressed and ready for fun outdoor activities in the South Carolina summer. Camps will run rain or shine, although activities may depend on weather conditions.

What should campers need to bring? Campers are required to wear closed-toe shoes and bring a sack lunch. The park will provide coolers with ice to store lunches as well as drinking water. It is highly recommended that campers bring a hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a small back pack if possible.

What about Volunteers?  Parents and other parties interested in volunteering should contact David C. Shelley at 803.776.4396, ext. 15. There are several potential jobs available, though working with the campers directly will involve a formal SLED background check that may take 4 weeks or more to complete.

For maps and more information about Congaree National Park, including directions, you can visit our website at www.nps.gov/cong or contact the front desk at the Harry Hampton Visitor Center at 100 National Park Road, Hopkins, SC, 29061, phone 803.776.4396.