Monday, June 17, 2013

Update: Shenandoah National Park

Junior Ranger Package from Shenandoah National Park
Junior Ranger Package from
Shenandoah National Park
Hello Junior Rangers! Here’s another package from the big mailing I received the other day.

If you recall, about a week and a half ago, I posted that I mailed out a ton of completed Junior Ranger books that I either got online or from my road trip in April (You can read about that here). Shenandoah was one of those. Here’s a list of the goodies that were inside:



Shenandoah National Park Junior Ranger Patch
Shenandoah National Park
Junior Ranger Patch
Shenandoah NP Junior Ranger Patch – awarded for completing the Shenandoah Junior Ranger Book (also returned in the package). You’re supposed to get a sticker and then choose between a badge and patch; I had asked for all three, but she only sent me the patch (easier to mail?)
Rock On, Stony Man! Ranger Explorer Patch from Shenandoah National Park
Rock On, Stony Man! Ranger Explorer Patch
Shenandoah National Park
Rock on, Stony Man! Ranger Explorer Patch – awarded for completing the Rock on, Stony Man Ranger Explorer activity guide (also returned in the package).
Shenandoah Wilderness Ranger Explorer Patch from Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park
Wilderness Explorer Patch
Wilderness Ranger Explorer Patch – awarded for completing the Wild Side of Shenandoah Ranger Explorer activity guide (also returned in the package).
Shenandoah National Park Appalachian Trail Ranger Explorer Patch
Shenandoah National Park
Appalachian Trail Ranger Explorer Patch
Shenandoah NP AT Ranger Explorer Patch – awarded for completing the Shenandoah NP Appalachian Trail Ranger Explorer activity guide (also returned in the package). There is a choice between patch, medallion and pin; I did ask for all if possible, but she probably chose the patch cause it’s easier to mail (I don’t blame her, lol). If I visit there again I will try for something else. :)
Letter from Ranger Hall
Letter from Ranger Hall
Letter from Ranger Hall – This was nice; just kind of a general letter acknowledging that I completed the program, the enclosures, etc. She talked about her favorite spots in the park and also suggested that I visit the Herbert Hoover Cabin at Rapidan Camp which is in Shenandoah NP. I had heard about it, but did not have time to visit during this trip. Maybe next time. :)

And that’s it! It was a nice reward for completing all those books. Please read a little bit about the park, which I have posted below, and definitely check it out the next time you’re in Virginia; the scenery is amazing. But in the meantime…

Explore On, Junior Ranger! :)

Want your own Shenandoah National Park Badge or Patch? Download the activity book online, complete the requisite activities and mail it back to the park (Shenandoah NP, Attn: Junior Ranger Program, 3655 Highway 211 East, Luray, Virginia 22835). You’ll get a badge or a patch for your efforts. :)

If you’re over 13 years old, check out the Rock on Stony Man, Wild Side of Shenandoah and Shenandoah Appalachian Trail books. They’re all available online so you can print them to take with you to the park. Complete the requisite activities and mail them back to the park to the above address. You’ll get some cool patches for your efforts. :)





About Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park at Sunset
Shenandoah National Park at Sunset. Photo Courtesy nps.gov

Shenandoah National Park is a great way to experience the great American outdoors. Driving the 105-mile length of picturesque Skyline Drive forces you to slow down and take in the sprawling vistas of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding valley landscapes. You can immerse yourself in wilderness by hiking some of Shenandoah’s 500+ miles of lush nature trails, including the 101 miles of the historic Appalachian Trail that cuts through the park. There are about 80,000 acres of pure, unspoiled wilderness to explore (one of the largest in the eastern United States) that was engineered by the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of FDRs New Deal in the 1930s—that’s 40% of the park! And there are several historical places to visit, such as the famous Skyland Resort and Massanutten Lodge and Herbert Hoover’s “summer White House” at Rapidan Camp. Whether you have one week or only one day to visit, you will find plenty to do at this beautiful escape from the everyday rush.

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