As the Bicentennial of the Erie Canal kicks off, the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation are releasing a new Junior Ranger activity booklet for children and families. Kids can complete activities to learn about the New York State Canal System and earn a badge, certificate, and title of Erie Canalway Junior Ranger. Booklets are available at 14 canal sites across the state and online at http://www.eriecanalway.org/learn/junior-ranger.
“We are thrilled to expand the National Park Service’s popular Junior Ranger program to the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. By offering even more hands-on learning experiences for kids, we hope to spark curiosity, exploration, and learning about the canal and its impacts on New York and the nation,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Geared for ages five to 13, the booklet contains fun activities covering a range of topics, including canal construction, immigration, water, and wildlife. Children can complete the activities at home, or while visiting one of the participating canal sites.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “Looking forward to the Erie Canal’s next 200 years includes thinking about its users – today’s youth! The Junior Ranger Activity Booklet is a fantastic way to hook them into the excitement of the Erie Canal early and spark a lifelong engagement with this vibrant recreationway.”
unior Ranger activity booklets are available online and locally at Corn Hill Navigation in Rochester.
The Junior Ranger activity booklet adds to educational curriculum, field trips, and other teacher resources available through the Erie Canal Learning Hub, a joint initiative of Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and New York State Canal Corporation. Access the Learning Hub at http://www.eriecanalway.org/learning-hub.
Provided information and photo
