“Mommy, what’s that bug? Can I really touch a snake?”
This year, the Ozark Riverways are going all out to celebrate National Park Week (April 18-26) presenting Jr. Ranger Day at Round Spring campground, located between Salem and Eminence on Hwy. 19.
According to Bill O’Donnell – aka “Ranger Bill” – the activities at Round Spring April 25 from 9 a.m. to about 3 p.m. are designed to get kids from 6 to 16 excited about the outdoors.
“We’ve had the Jr. Ranger program for more than 20 years, as part of the larger NPS program. This is only our second Jr. Ranger Day,” he said.
“Snakes Alive” will begin at 9 a.m. Yes, touching a non-venomous snake will be part of the program.  At 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Dickerson Park Zoo will present “Birds of Prey” – featuring a live golden eagle, owls and a turkey vulture. Other surprise outdoor entertainers and presenters will be on site. [Author note: Ranger Bill twisted my little pinky, and I will be doing a guided spring hydrology/geology walk at 12:30 p.m. So much for being an objective reporter.]
Cave tours will be offered free of charge at the same time as Birds of Prey, with tickets distributed at 9 a.m. “All adults MUST be accompanied by a child. I love that part!” said Ranger Bill.The day will conclude with a Stream Walk, beginning at 2 p.m.
All children will be given Jr. Ranger booklets. O’Donnell said that all child participants that day will receive a badge, whether or not they complete the booklet that day. “We’d rather they be onboard [with the program] than they necessarily be perfect,” he said.
The rest of the year, he said, kids work on a booklet, complete it at their own pace, return it for inspection, and are awarded the badge. “Some folks, like myself, make a big to-do, and give them a made-up oath and such, others just hand them the badge. I think my way is better,” he stated.
“The real world of nature is so much fun and interesting and wholesome,” Ranger Bill said. “Outdoor experiences are one treatment for video game and TV overdose.”
No reservations nor registration is required. O’Donnell suggests bringing along lunch, and a change of shoes and socks for the Stream Walk, but kids who can just stop by for an activity or two are very welcome also.
The website address is: http://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/junior-ranger-day.htm.