Three days flies by when you’re a kid having fun at Lake Anna State Park!
The Junior Ranger program teaches kids about cool stuff they normally wouldn’t get to do in school, unless they went on a field trip. Junior Rangers isn’t just learning about the environment either. We integrate outdoor recreation into our programs so kids can see, and do! Besides, isn’t that the best way to learn? Go ahead and spend a day fishing at the lake...we'll teach you about water ecosystems too.
Interpretive Ranger, Matt Knight, teaches the kids how to cast, set the hook, and to be safe and responsible anglers. These kids were super excited about catching fish. Hey, it sure beats getting a gold star!
Cast, hook...bait!
Volunteers, Donna Finnegan and Linda Wilson, even enjoy helping out, while bringing their professional experience to the program. In this case, Junior Rangers-in-training became scientists-in-training. Donna and Linda worked with kids to measure and record data dealing with water quality. Afterwards, the group grabbed some nets and buckets and ventured to a shallow stream to collect animals.
Take a hike kid! Or, actually, time for a break from the water and off to dry land. A guided hike down Railroad Ford Trail becomes a lesson about land ecosystems. Collecting seeds along the way for an activity which examines methods of dispersal came later on. Kids learn about the role of birds of prey in ecosystems, as they dissect owl pellets and piece together different skeletal pieces. Did someone say biology?! Not to mention getting a chance to interact with live amphibians, like lizards, turtles and snakes. Fearful for some, till they learn and understand how snakes play a vital role in our ecosystem. Ah-ha...it all makes sense now! Isn’t nature amazing?
Take a hike kid! Or, actually, time for a break from the water and off to dry land. A guided hike down Railroad Ford Trail becomes a lesson about land ecosystems. Collecting seeds along the way for an activity which examines methods of dispersal came later on. Kids learn about the role of birds of prey in ecosystems, as they dissect owl pellets and piece together different skeletal pieces. Did someone say biology?! Not to mention getting a chance to interact with live amphibians, like lizards, turtles and snakes. Fearful for some, till they learn and understand how snakes play a vital role in our ecosystem. Ah-ha...it all makes sense now! Isn’t nature amazing?
Interpretive Ranger, Matt Knight, shows kids creatures and critters along their hike
Finally, the group discovers history and culture, or in this case, game on! The kids learn about Powhatan and colonial American cultures by playing stickball and corncob darts, both of which the Powhatan Indians enjoyed. Then the group will get a glimpse into colonial culture, by playing “stoolball”. During the 1800’s, gold mining was huge and Lake Anna State Park was called “gold hill” and contained the Goodwin Gold Mine. A lesson on gold panning with hopes of striking it rich is a requirement for all ages!
Everyone enjoys panning for gold, from children to adults
At the day's end, Junior Rangers are awarded during a graduation ceremony. Parents are invited to attend and watch as their children are given a patch, certificate and receive the honorary title of “Junior Ranger”. Not only do the kids love this program where they learn valuable skills and lessons, but they make their teachers proud! We think we’ve earned our A+.
Check out our calendar of events for more cool programs the park offers throughout the year. Or, for more hands-on, out-of-classroom learning visit our website Your Backyard Classroom where you can download FREE sample activities.
Lake Anna State Park, 6800 Lawyers Road, Spotsylvania, VA 22551. Drive Time: Northern Virginia, one hour; Richmond, one hour; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours; Roanoke, four hours.
Contact Lake Anna State Park by calling (540) 854-6245 for more information, or email the park here.
