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| Junior Ranger Package from Shenandoah National Park |
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:
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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?)
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Rock on, Stony Man! Ranger Explorer Patch – awarded for
completing the Rock on, Stony Man Ranger Explorer activity guide (also returned
in the package).
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Wilderness Ranger Explorer Patch – awarded for completing the
Wild Side of Shenandoah Ranger Explorer activity guide (also returned in the
package).
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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. :)
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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. :)
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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
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| 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.
