FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2019

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

Florida Park Service Hosts the Inaugural Junior Ranger Jamboree

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Park Service is hosting its first Junior Ranger Jamboree on Saturday, May 18, 2019, in honor of Kids to Parks Day. The statewide event provides kids of all ages the opportunity to learn about Florida’s natural and cultural resources, and includes activities such as fun booths and group events, guest speakers and ranger-led activities. Additionally, new Junior Rangers can be sworn in and receive their own Junior Ranger badge.

The Junior Ranger Jamboree events will take place at the following Florida State Parks:

• Topsail Hill Preserve State Park in Santa Rosa Beach
• Dudley Farm Historic State Park in Newberry
• Silver Springs State Park in Ocala
• Oscar Scherer State Park in Osprey
• Jonathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound

“Kids to Parks Day highlights how important it is for children to spend time playing and exploring the outdoors,” Florida State Parks Director Eric Draper said. “The Junior Ranger Jamboree will help families create lasting park memories and inspire a new generation to love and protect the natural world.”

Kids to Parks Day is a nationwide celebration of the great outdoors organized by the National Park Trust, and is designed to connect children and families with their local, state and national parks and public lands. By discovering and exploring  public lands, kids across the country can learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation and STEM.

The Florida Park Service’s Junior Ranger Program provides the opportunity for young people to learn, serve and share Florida's natural and cultural resources. By completing various Junior Ranger activities, participants receive stamps from park staff in the unique Junior Ranger Passport for completed activities. Junior Rangers can learn important aspects about protecting Florida State Parks and will become eligible for Junior Ranger rewards such as patches, badges and pins. Learn more about the Junior Ranger Program.

About Florida State Parks, Greenways and Trails 

The Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/2452033