Description: Advanced Jr Ranger Camp: July 6-8
Location: Burgess Falls State Park
Did your children love attending Jr Ranger camps at their favorite parks when they were between 6 and 12?! Well, here is their opportunity to attend advanced Jr Ranger camp as a 13–17-year-old! The advanced camp will be two days where they experience kayaking, caving and camping at Burgess Falls State Park and Scott's Gulf Wilderness State Park. These events will be located at different locations meaning there will be a different drop off location each day. June 28th will be the cutoff for registration.
Day 1 – Drop off at Cane Hollow Recreation Area at 8:30 am central (Boat Launch)
Cane Hollow Rd, Sparta, TN 38583 (Follow the road, it will end at the lake where we will be waiting.)
Kayak to the base of Burgess Falls! We recommend that the participant have prior kayaking experience, but if they have not, we can teach them to kayak. The paddle will be 4 miles long, 2 miles there, and 2 miles back to the boat launch. The kayak, paddle, and life vest will be provided. Life vests will be worn by all, no exceptions. Participants will need sunscreen, hats, water shoes (preferably with closed toes), lunch/snacks and at least 64 oz of water. Shorts and a top will be required to wear. It is highly recommended to bring your own waterproof bag for valuables, cellphones or keys. We will take quick 5-minute breaks along the way for water breaks. When we arrive to the base of the falls, we will get out and rest at the base. Snacks and water will be encouraged to be consumed during this time. There will be no bathrooms after leaving the boat ramp.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT PARTICIPANTS HAVE THE STAMINA AND MOTIVATION TO PADDLE THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE FLOAT. THERE IS NO OPTION TO QUIT AND BE BOATED BACK TO THE BOAT LAUNCH.
Day 2 – Drop off at Beecher Wallace Homestead at 12 p.m. Central
6747 Lost Creek Road, Sparta, Tennessee 38583
Pick up time: 3:45 p.m. if the camper is not staying for the camping portion.
Join Scott’s Gulf Wilderness staff on this guided expedition into the vast underworld known as Lost Creek Cave, where hidden waterfalls and unseen wildlife await. This is considered a strenuous adventure. Participants must be able to walk across rocky, slick, uneven surfaces. Participants will also need to be able to climb up and down rock ledges.
For this trip, please wear closed-toe, sturdy hiking boots and pants. Please note that sandals, flip flops, crocs (even in 4WD) are not acceptable footwear for the cave environment. Participants wearing such footwear will not be permitted on the cave trip. Caves are considerably cooler than the outdoor temperature, so expect temperatures to be around 56 degrees. Please wear layers for caving and outdoor activities, bring water and extra clothes and shoes to change into after the tour to successfully decontaminate. Coveralls are a good alternative to wear over clothing to prevent having to change for the decontamination process.
Camping - We have gear to loan to campers, but a Formstack will be sent after registration to determine what gear is needed. It is recommended to have a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, headlamp, and only essential personal hygiene items. Please do not send tents built for 6+ people when only one camper will be staying in it. Your child will be packing in what they bring/are loaned. We will begin the 1.25-mile hike to the campground at 5 p.m. There will be no shade for this short hike, but there will be shade at the campground. Please pack a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Food and water will be provided for dinner and breakfast. We understand this may be a camper's first camping experience and that teens can be picky eaters, so there will be two options for food and water. Dinner will consist of roasting hot dogs and s'mores over a fire. Backpacking meals will also be available for any camper who would like to try one or learn to use a propane camping stove. Breakfast will consist of cooking pancakes over a fire or oatmeal. We will have stored tap water on hand with the option to filter water. We will try to make food accommodations if medically necessary.
IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU LIST ANY FOOD ALLERGIES ON YOUR CAMPDOC FORM, AS WE WILL BE IN A WILDERNESS AREA.
There will be no bathrooms in the cave or at the campsite.
We want to encourage young outdoor enthusiasts by having positive experiences outside. Please do not sign your child up unless they are interested in outdoor activities, prepared for the heat, and physically able to handle the planned activity. We will encourage Leave No Trace principles at all events, which means there will not be toilets in most of the areas we will be in.
Cancellations: Events will be cancelled if there is a significant chance of storms. The event will not be cancelled until the morning due to our weather changing by the hour. I realize this can be last-minute, but that is the nature of outside events. This allows us to provide the best and safest opportunity for an outdoor recreational activity. In the event that something is cancelled, you will receive a refund of half the fee for one cancelled event, or the full fee amount if both events are cancelled. Please ensure that you have accurate contact information listed for this reason.
The camping portion of the camp must have at least 5 campers for us to take a group camping trip due to logistics, supplies, and time constraints. If we do not have enough campers, this activity may be cancelled or combined for both camps. Refunds will be given if only the day activities are completed due to a lack of interest in camping.
Event Document:
Essential Eligibly Criteria
Program Host: Kristin
Contact Email: kristin.b.willis@tn.gov
Meeting Place: Varies each day