I got our Junior Ranger Badge books from an older ranger. He clearly loved the Civil War and he began telling me about many things, while the children ran around this smaller Ranger Station. Wild Thing in particular seemed bent on destruction, so my patient husband chased him, while the other kids stamped their passports. … Continue reading Harpers Ferry NHP, Pt 2
Harpers Ferry NHP, pt 1
Where to even begin? I am going to talk about the park first and then in the next post specifically talk about the Junior Ranger badge, because I wasn't entirely sure what to expect and was met with a vast historical crossroad. I knew about the John Brown revolt, but was entirely fuzzy on the … Continue reading Harpers Ferry NHP, pt 1
Flight 93 NM
We did manage to make it out the door for the last road trip of 2017. Because we were driving past it I decided it was time to stop at Flight 93 National Monument. I had avoided it previously but this year my kids did start asking about 9/11 and terrorism, the news cycle hasn't … Continue reading Flight 93 NM
New Year, Fresh Park?
My husband's job has a use it or lose it policy and this year he had a record 4 days left of leave which left him in the predicament of 11 days off in a row. Rough life, right? It was our initial plan to send the kids to winter camp at our local community … Continue reading New Year, Fresh Park?
Holiday Dreaming
For me National Parks are the purest form of American Idealism. Not that they aren't problematic too, like most ideals, but the idea that everyone should have access to something regardless of personal attributes or characteristics is something most of us can agree on. An exception to capitalism, where wealth does not give you any … Continue reading Holiday Dreaming
How to plan to hit the MOST Parks (with kids)
So you may have noticed that I haven't posted many visits lately. This is because our fall trip to New Mexico fell through due to life things so I missed my 11 parks that I had planned to do with the kids. Now my husband says "11 parks alone with the kids??? Are you crazy??" … Continue reading How to plan to hit the MOST Parks (with kids)
Junior Ranger Curriculum pt 1
As a home schooling family we are always on the look out for opportunities and experiences. To that end we participate in a secular home school group in our area. It's a neat setup, we rent an old catholic school building from the non-profit which currently owns it. We meet once a week for classes … Continue reading Junior Ranger Curriculum pt 1
Shop Your Parks For the Holidays, & Everyday!
In honor of Black Friday I thought I'd talk a little bit about shopping in the parks. As you may know if you are a park enthusiast all parks have trouble with funding. Much like our home budgets there is always a long list of things to be done and only so many dollars to … Continue reading Shop Your Parks For the Holidays, & Everyday!
Friendship Hill NHS
We got a surprise road trip to DC, just me and the kids! So I decided to swing by Friendship Hill and have a picnic on our way since we were passing through. Luckily, my oldest son got carsick so we ended up having to stay a couple hours while I cleaned the car and … Continue reading Friendship Hill NHS
Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS
Allegheny Portage Railroad is a result of Pennsylvania's desire to stay relevant in trade and an ingenious way to cross the Allegheny mountains before steam engines were powerful enough to make it through. With the rise of Canal trade after the completion of the Erie Canal, Pennsylvania scrambled to compete and shorten the 23 day … Continue reading Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS
Free Rangering 