Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger Camps are accepting participants for spring and summer Junior Ranger Day Camps. With camps available statewide, kids of any experience level can learn the basics of nature appreciation as well as more advanced outdoor skills.
Junior Ranger Camps will be offered at numerous Tennessee State Parks and can differ slightly based on the location, but they are generally a week-long day camp for children ages 8-12.
Topics covered may include safety, astronomy, history, plants, water, wildlife and environmental stewardship. Activities may focus on reptiles and amphibians, birds of prey, rope and paper making, outdoor skills, canoeing and more. Costs for camps vary.
All campers need to bring snacks and water daily. Attire should include sturdy shoes for hiking and water shoes or old tennis shoes that can get wet for creek studies. Campers should also consider bringing sunscreen, a hat, and a small backpack to carry these items.
Burgess Falls State Park, located in White County, is also offering Mini-Ranger Camps and Advanced Junior Ranger Camps. The Mini-Camps provide a two-day introductory experience for children ages 5-9. Curriculum topics will include basic nature appreciation, environmental protection, animals, and park ranger duties. Two sessions will be offered on May 23-24 and May 31-June 1. Both camps begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. The camp is limited to the first 15 participants. The cost is $10/child.
Various Parks also host Advanced Junior Ranger Camps for those participants who have previously graduated from the Junior Ranger Camp. Cumberland Mountain State Park, located in Cumberland County, offers an overnight camp for children ages 13 and older. This program features a camping workshop, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rappelling, rock climbing and more. This session will be offered on June 25-26. For more information, please call the Park office at (931) 484-6138.
For a full list of participating parks and camp dates, please contact Katie Wisniewski atkatie.wisniewski@tn.gov or (615) 532-0015.