National Parks & Historic Sites: Homeschool Treasures

By Sandra

I feel like I’ve just stumbled onto a big secret.  Well, I think I’d heard this before, but my kids weren’t ready to take advantage until recently. The secret is this: The National Park Service offers children’s programs to earn Junior Ranger badges.   Imagine this…adventure, mystery, history, and prizes!

The kids love wearing these Ranger badges.  It makes them feel connected to the park, historic site or monument and the history they’ve learned about them.  To earn a badge or certificate at each of these locations, a child must answer some questions or do activity pages that are age appropriate.  They are usually divided into an elementary division and a junior high division.  Trust me, the adults learn a lot while searching for the answers to these questions as well.

So far, we’ve visited Ft. McHenry, Hampton House, Assateague Island Seashore, and Valley Forge.  The kids are truly hooked!  As soon as they earn their badge at one location, they are planning the next park to visit.  It’s a great way to connect with our U.S. history, plan field trips, and boost the children’s confidence.  I highly recommend you consider this FREE program, and consult the parks and historic sites in your neck of the woods!

Comments

[Renee]

That's a great idea and I think I love it as much as the kids do!