National Junior Ranger Day to be held at Camp Beech Cliff

Come join in the fun and games of National Junior Ranger Day.

NPS / Kristi Rugg

News Release Date: April 11, 2016

Contact: John Kelly, 207-288-8703

The National Park Service invites families and friends to National Junior Ranger Day on Saturday, April 30, from 11 am to 3 pm. This free, fun-filled outdoor youth event will be held at Camp Beech Cliff, 264 Beech Hill Road, in Mount Desert.

"National Junior Ranger Day acknowledges the importance of connecting our children with America's national parks," said Superintendent Kevin Schneider. "The Acadia Centennial is helping us expand our outreach and inspire youth in new ways through partners and programs like National Junior Ranger Day."

At National Junior Ranger Day, kids will create art, spot wildlife, and enjoy a dozen other activities. Hot dogs and s'mores will be provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and everyone should come prepared for rain or shine. Picnics are welcome, and carpooling is encouraged.

"National Junior Ranger Day is such a fun time for kids and adults," said Camp Beech Cliff Executive Director, Debra Deal."I have participated in it for many years with my daughters.To have it held at Camp Beech Cliff for the first time, especially in Acadia's Centennial year, is a great honor."

An opening ceremony with songs from the Mount Desert Elementary School chorus will include "Children's Earth Anthem," written for the National Park Service Centennial and sung across the nation this year. "My students are talking about how they will be able to tell their grandchildren they were a part of the centennial celebration," said Choral Director Heather Graves.

A group from Mount Desert Elementary School will help rangers conduct activities for younger children as Centennial Ambassadors. Bob Chaplin, teacher at MDES, added, "This service project is just one part of a year studying and working in the park, learning its history, and contributing to its future."

Participants can take part in the launch of two new programs: the Acadia Centennial Junior Ranger, and Acadia Centennial Quest, a multi-day scavenger hunt sponsored by Friends of Acadia. "It's a centennial edition, so it's exciting," says Paige Steele, conservation projects manager for Friends of Acadia. "It focuses on exploring people, places, and events such as the Wabanaki, shipwrecks on Acadia's shorelines, and the automobile wars that resulted in the development of the park's famous carriage roads."

"In addition to participating in this event, kids of all ages can now complete our Centennial Junior Ranger program by printing it from our park website (www.nps.gov/acad/learn/kidsyouth) or in person during a visit to the park," said Chief of Interpretation Lynne Dominy. "We want kids of all ages to have a fun way to connect with Acadia National Park when they are here or in the classroom. Kids can earn special rewards available only this year when they participate."

Another National Junior Ranger Day will be held on May 14 at the Schoodic Education and Research Center in Winter Harbor. For a complete list of Acadia Centennial events and activities, please visit www.acadiacentennial2016.org. Please email inquiries about the Acadia Centennial to [e-mail].