Junior Rangers will use all of their senses to explore nature at Belle Isle State Park from July 31 through August 2, 2012.
Participants will make crafts that reinforce each day's lessons
Participants will catch bugs and notice their shapes and colors, find out how animals use scent, explore the textures of nature, improve nature listening, taste some healthy snacks, and observe the beauty of nature all around them. Lessons are reinforced with games and crafts to take home.
The program will be led jointly by Tara Brent, the 4-H Extension Agent for Lancaster and Northumberland and Charlene Talcott, Chief Ranger Interpreter at Belle Isle.
Kids will learn how to improve their listening and observation skills while learning how animals use their senses to survive. Each day, 4-H will provide healthy snacks that tie in to that day’s lesson.
Some of the activities include
- --following a lemon, peppermint, or vanilla trail to learn how animals use scents to find each other
- --discovering how animals use camouflage to hide
- --learning about variations in shades, color, and shapes in nature
- --walking quietly and being still in order to increase wildlife observations
- --identifying birds by their calls
- --catching aquatic animals in the Rappahannock River
Discovering wildlife like this crab will take place each day
The program cost $5 per day, and last from 9 a.m. to noon. Those that attend all 3 days will receive a certificate. This program is designed for age 5-9, but older children may attend. Adults attending with their children do not pay a fee. To register call Belle Isle State Park at (804) 462-5030.
LOCATION: Lancaster County on the Rappahannock River. From Warsaw, take State Route 3 East to SR 354. Turn right and follow for three miles. Turn right onto SR 683 at Somers to the park entrance. From Kilmarnock, take Route 3 West to Lively, then left on SR 201 for three miles, then right on SR 354 for three miles and left onto 683 to the park entrance.
Drive Time: Northern Virginia: two hours; Richmond: two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach: two hours; Roanoke: five hours
Click here for a Google map. Latitude, 37.774414. Longitude: -76.599364.
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: Bel Air Overnight Area (Bel Air house and guest house) and camping. For information on availability of campsites, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online. The Bel Air overnight area can be reserved only by calling 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for details on reservation and cancelation policies.
Learn more about Belle Isle State Park here.
