Every June, kids ages 9 through 12 participate in a free day camp that inspires them to protect and preserve Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and other national parks while having fun.
Kids become NPS Junior Rangers and learn about life in the 1860s Ozarks. They drill as Civil War infantry soldiers, take a nature hike, and meet Missouri animals. The fun starts at 9:30 a.m. each morning and ends at 1:30 p.m. Campers need to dress for outdoor activity and bring a sack lunch each day.
Schedule of daily activities:
Day One — Orientation, history of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, Visitor Center exhibits
Day Two — Life of a Civil War soldier
Day Three — Family life during the 1860s, the story of the Ray and Edwards families
Day Four — Nature and environmental activities
Day Five — National Park Service and park rangers
Each child receives a Civil War-style haversack, a Union or Confederate kepi (cap), water bottle, Junior Ranger book and badge, and certificate of completion.
