Junior Rangers to have busy time

Mistletoe State Park will hold Junior Rangers Day Camp Tuesday-Thursday.

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The camp, for ages 6-12, will be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. each day. The cost is $50 and advance registration is required, said program assistant Brenda Bettross.

On the first day of the camp, participants will use binoculars and field guides to learn about birds and their adaptations.

"Once they are familiar with the use of binoculars and have learned about birds, we will go on a nature hike that focuses on birds," said Bettross. "Participants will also build a bluebird house to take home, learn about birds of prey and dissect owl pellets.

"We will finish that day with learning about wildlife that lives on the park. This will be taught through mounted animals, furs, bones and tracks."

The following day is water day. Participants will go "creeking" in Cliatt Creek and collect water samples to determine what lives in the creek. Water balloon games and water relay races are planned, as well as an end-of-the-day canoe trip.

To conclude the Junior Rangers Day Camp, the children will learn about outdoor living, including how to camp cook and build their own shelter and fire.

Junior Ranger badges will be awarded to each participant, and each will receive a quarterly Junior Ranger newsletter.

To register for Junior Ranger Camp, call the park office at (706) 541-0321.