Park Happenings

Event Details

Junior Ranger – Day Camp Option

Dates: Wednesday July 1^st, Thursday July 2^nd, and Friday July 3^rd

Time: 9:00am-3:00pm (4:00pm on graduation day)

Price: $50 for full day camp

Join Head of the Crow staff as we share the history, ecology, and recreation of the park with intrepid young Junior Rangers! Our Junior Ranger program caters to children age 8-12 who are curious about parks, rangers, and Tennessee’s beautiful outdoors. At the end of this three day camp, we’ll hold a graduation to honor Head of the Crow’s 2026 Junior Rangers. Sign-up for the full Day Camp will close on June 1^st. Campers will be dropped off at the day’s location at 9:00am and picked up at 3:00pm from the same location. Campers should bring plenty of water (64+ ounces) and a packed lunch for each day!

Day 1: Meet at Buggytop Parking Lot at 9:00AM, 07/01. Campers will join park staff on a trip into Buggytop Cave, where they’ll have the opportunity to safely experience the excitement of subterranean exploration with a Ranger! Helmets and lights will be provided.

Besides the cave, we’ll have time to learn about (and try!) nature journalling. We’ll learn how journalling can instill an appreciation and understanding of the world around us, and how we can take the time to get to know our surroundings.

Day 2: Meet at Pack Hollow Parking Lot at 9:00AM, 07/02. This is a day for survival! By that, campers will learn the basics of a map and compass, and try their hand at orienteering. Then, we’ll go over all the “wants” and “needs” anytime you venture into the wilderness.

The afternoon will be a look to the past, as we’ll go over two historic tools used for hunting, skinning, and so much more! Campers will even get to try their hand at launching an atlatl.

Day 3: Meet at Pack Hollow Parking Lot at 9:00AM, 07/03. In the morning, campers will join trained professionals at some of our parks small rock faces for some beginner rappelling! All gear will be provided and is inspected before use.

After a thrilling morning on the rocks, we’ll slow down with a hike in the afternoon. We’ll discuss the geology and how the plateau (and the rocks we just climbed!) came to be, and how they shape the entire environment of the region.

At 3:00pm, we’ll hold the Junior Ranger graduation, where campers will receive their badges, certificates, and t-shirt for completing the program! Campers who complete one of the two Junior Ranger options will have the opportunity to join Head of the Crow staff in the Sewanee 4th of July Parade to help represent the park, and show off their newly earned status as Junior Ranger graduates!

Contact Ranger Matthew Thomas with shirt sizes for signed up campers and reach out with any questions.

NOTE:  The Day Camp and Weekend camps are identical programs, just on different schedules. Please only sign campers up for one or the other.