TOP PHOTO: Area youth enjoying Jr. Ranger program at Cove Lake State Park.

Cove Lake State Park Jr. Ranger graduating class of 2021.

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF) – Cove Lake State Park “swore in” several area kids as official Jr. Rangers last week as part of its annual Summer Jr. Ranger program.

Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Mabry Biggs teaching students about snakes during last week’s Jr. Ranger program.

Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Mabry Biggs led the program, which taught students about safety, animals and environmental conservation. The Campbell County Sheriff’s Office provided a demonstration with it’s K-9. Demonstrations were also provided by the Caryville Fire Department and Campbell County EMS.

The program was for children ages six through 14. These summer sessions provide hands-on opportunities for exploring and learning about the natural world through an array of fun and creative activities. 

Topics and activities vary from camp to camp but may include: Outdoor Safety, Astronomy, Reptiles and Amphibians, Aquatics, Map and Compass Navigation, Birds of Prey, Insects and Spiders, Primitive Weapons, Track Making and Identification, Outdoor Skills, Ecology, Canoeing, Hiking and much more.

The Campbell County Sheriff’s Department put on a K-9 demonstration during last week’s Jr. Ranger program at Cove Lake State Park.

According to Cove Lake State Park Clerk Rebekah Wasson, this year’s camp went “fantastic” and was well attended.

The park also gave a special thank you to  sponsors and partners who helped out with last week’s program. 

“Thank you Powell Clinch Utilities for graduation supplies, Campbell County Sheriff’s Office for their demonstration and sponsoring our graduation lunch, CC’s Cakes and Creations for our graduation cupcakes, and Caryville Fire Department and Campbell County EMS for their demonstrations. Thank you Seasonal Ranger Mabry for a fun filled week!”

Jr. Ranger students learning about reptiles from Seasonal Interpretive Ranger Mabry Biggs.

And just in case you missed the opportunity to go to Jr. Ranger School this summer, there are two ways to become a Junior Ranger: – Attend a Tennessee State Parks Junior Ranger Camp – Complete the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide

For those attending a Junior Ranger Camp, registration is required. Details about a specific camp can be found on the individual park’s event web page or by calling that park. For those unable to attend a camp, the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide is a self-paced, free alternative. Call the park for details at 423.566.9701.

Upon completion of the program kids take the Junior Ranger pledge, receive a badge and are sworn in as official Tennessee State Park Junior Rangers.

Friday and Saturday at Cove Lake State Park are packed with activities.

Cove Lake has tons of other upcoming free weekly programs scheduled through out summer, including a 9 a.m. kayak paddle on Saturday, July 3. Check these out on the Park’s Facebook page. Registration is required for certain events. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/28/2021-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF OFFICIALS WITH COVE LAKE STATE PARK)

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