Georgia State Parks Offer Budget-Friendly Summer Camps and Outdoor Recreation
OutdoorHub 05.25.12
For parents still pondering what to do with the kids this summer, Georgia State Parks offers affordable fun and outdoor adventures for every age level. No need to invest in pricey day camps this year either; Junior Ranger Camps are the perfect way to keep kids entertained and learning about the great outdoors, all at the same time. Families looking for a fun day trip can simply pack a lunch, grab a towel or bicycle, and head to Georgia’s State Parks for affordable recreation from swimming beaches and pools to miles of hiking and biking trails. And, by checking out a pass from a Georgia public library, families can access state parks and historic sites for free.
Free Park Admission & Recreational Offerings (all ages)
Most Georgia State Parks offer playgrounds, picnic areas, miles of hiking and biking trails, and even wildlife viewing or nature centers. A library card is all you need to check out a ParkPass or Historic Site Pass at Georgia’s public libraries. The passes are good for free parking or admission at any of the 63 state parks and historic sites statewide. For a listing of Georgia’s public libraries, go to www.georgialibraries.org. So, pack a heart-healthy picnic lunch and head to your favorite Georgia State Park for a fun-filled day of adventure in the great outdoors.
Swimming Beaches, Pools and Splash Pad (all ages)
No need to deal with the crowds at the indoor playhouse or local water park to cool off this summer. Grab your sunscreen, swimming suits and enjoy the beach life at one of Georgia State Parks 18 free lakeside swimming beaches. And, for those families who prefer to lounge by the pool, there are six state parks that offer pools including Victoria Bryant, Magnolia Springs, Little Ocmulgee, High Falls, George T. Bagby and F.D Roosevelt. Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge also offers a Splash Pad sure to please the youngest water lovers. For a full listing of recreational offerings available at each state park, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org.
Junior Ranger Day Camps (ideal for young explorers ages 6-12)
Kids ages 6 to 12 are invited to explore Georgia’s wildlife, nature and fascinating history first-hand as they earn their way through three badge levels. Nature hikes, arts and crafts, water games, fishing and outdoor cooking are just a few of the daily camp workshops offered at Georgia’s state parks. With more than a dozen Junior Ranger Day Camps offered through end of July, kids can meet new friends as they build self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. And, parents can have the satisfaction of knowing their children are entertained and learning an appreciation for the great outdoors. Families can also pick up a free Junior Ranger Activity Book at any state park or historic site and work through the activity requirements at their own pace. Receive the latest park news and learn more about Georgia by subscribing to The Georgia Junior Ranger, a free e-newsletter.
Junior Ranger Camps & Family-Friendly Events
Below is a sampling of Junior Ranger Camps offered at Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites beginning the week of June 4. More information on the Junior Ranger Program is available at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/juniorranger. A full calendar of events is found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.
Wee Rangers Day Camp
Monday, June 4 through Thursday, June 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
Open to ages 6-7, this camp will focus on introducing young children to fun in the outdoors. Activities include nature games, nature crafts and fun educational activities. $35 plus $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.
Summer Horseback Riding Camp
Monday, June 4 through Friday, June 8 (Age 10-16)
Monday, June 11 through Friday, June 15 (Age 6-10)
Monday, June 18 through Friday, June 22 (Age 6-16)
F.D. Roosevelt State Park – Pine Mountain
Each day we spend mornings working with the horses and riding. Afternoons we will swim and have arts and crafts. The last day we spend the morning on a Lunch Ride and an afternoon program for parents. Register far in advance. Cabins and campsites may be available at the park. $5 parking. (706) 628-7463.
Junior Ranger Day Camp
Tuesday, June 5 through Friday, June 8, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Tuesday, July 17 through Friday, July 20, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Children ages 6-12 will participate in activities that focus on the outdoors and work toward earning a Junior Ranger badge. Activities include outdoor skills, trail walks, birding, orienteering, and more. Space is limited and registration is required. $40 plus $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Junior Ranger Day Camp
Tuesday, June 5 through Thursday, June 7
Red Top Mountain State Park – Cartersville
Children ages 8-12 can earn a Junior Ranger and a Get Outdoors badge during this fun day camp. Activities include a live animal program, hiking, boating, lost prevention, water safety, and crafts. Space is limited so be sure to register in advance. Please be advised that camp is from 9AM to 2 PM on Tuesday & Wednesday and from 4PM to 9PM on Thursday. $30 plus $5 parking. (770) 975-0055.
Archery Day Camp
Tuesday, June 5 through Thursday, June 7
Laura S. Walker State Park – Waycross
Campers will learn archery skills and techniques through international-style target practice, 3-D shooting and other games. Other outdoor activities will include wildlife presentations, outdoor exploration, fishing, and hunting safety. Ages 9-14. $50 plus $5 parking. (229) 430-1847.
Junior Ranger Day Camp
Wednesday, June 6 through Friday, June 8, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 27 through Friday, June 29, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Wednesday, July 11 through Friday, July 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hard Labor Creek State Park – Rutledge
Kids ages 6 – 12 can earn a level l Jr Ranger Patch. Participants will learn about native trees, wildlife, and history, and enjoy fishing, hiking and keeping a nature journal. Register in advance, space is limited. For June 6th – 8th, register by May 30, for June 27th – 29, register by June 20th, and for July 11 – 14, register by July 5th. All participants will meet at the Park Office/Trading Post. $50. (706) 557-3001.
Junior Rangers at George T. Bagby
Monday, June 11 through Thursday, June 14, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
George T. Bagby State Park and Lodge – Fort Gaines
Children ages 6-12 can participate in this four-day camp where they will learn about the environment, conservation, safety and wildlife to earn their Junior Ranger badges. Daily outdoor activities will be scheduled as well. Registration is required to participate. Please register early. Camp is limited to the first fifteen paid participants. Cost includes lunch each day. $60 for the week. $5 parking. (229) 768-2571.
Junior Ranger Day Camp
Monday, June 11, 8:45 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Indian Springs State Park – Flovilla
This event is for children ages 7 to 12 years old. Register in advance. $5 parking. (770) 504-2277.
Unicoi Family Camp
Monday, June 11 through Friday, June 15. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Unicoi State Park and Lodge – Helen
Make your family vacation memorable by spending time in fun classes at this mountain park. No age limits. Register in advance. $30 adult/$20 child. $5 parking. (706) 878-2201 ext. 305.
Jr. Ranger Camp Session 1 (Ages 6-9)
Monday, June 11 through Friday, June 15, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Children ages 6-9 will enjoy hiking, crafts, learning about the outdoors and having a lot of fun. This four-day camp session allows children to earn the first badge in the Jr. Ranger book. Register in advance. $40 plus $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Adventure Camp
Tuesday, June 12 through Friday, June 15, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Crooked River State Park – St. Marys
Kids age 11-15 can enjoy four days of outdoor adventure. Kayaking, solar astronomy, hiking, outdoors skills, photography, and environmental education and more. Space is limited, reservations required. $95 plus $5 parking. (912) 882-5256.
Mad Science Camp
Tuesday, June 12 through Friday, June 15, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Tuesday, July 17 through Friday, July 20, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Nature is full of science lessons, but you probably won’t be doing these experiments at school. Each day of camp will provide a new understanding of the underlying principles of the natural world, made fun through safe experiments that have a big impact. $75. (706) 878-3087.
Junior Ranger Day Camp
Wednesday, June 13, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, June 20, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Friday, July 6, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Thursday, July 12, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 25, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Wednesday, August 1, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sweetwater Creek State Park – Lithia Springs
This day camp is for children ages 6-12 who have not previously been in a Junior Ranger program. This program focuses on attaining the Level I Deer Badge. There will be nature hikes, a live animal program, and nature oriented arts and craft projects. Register in advance. $20 includes lunch. (770) 732-5871.
Junior Rangers ll
Monday, June 18 through Thursday, June 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday, July 9 through Thursday, July 12, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Florence Marina State Park – Omaha
Children will experience nature first-hand in this summer day camp for 7 to 10 year olds. $20 plus $5 parking. (229) 838-4706.
Junior Ranger Summer Camp
Monday, June 18 through Thursday, June 21, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
Kids ages 8-12 are invited to our annual Junior Ranger Camp. Complete activities to earn your Junior Ranger badges. Camp activities include nature hikes, fishing, arts and crafts, canoeing and more. $45 plus $5 parking. (912) 384-7082.
Junior Ranger Camp
Wednesday, June 20 through Friday, June 22, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site – Cartersville
Young people ages 8-12, join us for clay and copper crafts, basket-making, dig boxes and other outdoor activities. Work towards completion of Jr. Ranger badges. Reservations required. $30. (770) 387-3747.
Jr. Ranger Camp Session 2 (Ages 10-13)
Monday, June 25 through Friday, June 29, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Children ages 10-13 will enjoy hiking, crafts, learning about the outdoors and having fun. This four-day camp allows children to earn the first badge in the Jr. Ranger book. Register in advance. $5 parking. 229-896-3551.
Junior Ranger Camp
Wednesday, June 27 through Friday, June 29, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Smithgall Woods State Park – Helen
Activities, hikes and games will keep busy minds and bodies occupied as we learn about the natural world while having fun. Participants will receive Jr. Ranger badges on Friday after completing activities. This camp is for 6-12 year olds who will be receiving their first badge (Deer) or second (Fox). We cannot accommodate activities for the Owl badge. Register by June 13. $45 for three-day camp or $50 if paid after June 13. (706) 878-3087.
Heritage Farm Camp
Monday, July 9 through Thursday, July 12, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
General Coffee State Park – Nicholls
This camp focuses on learning what life was like for children on a south Georgia farm in the late 1800s. Participants will do the same activities that kids their age did, such as animal care, candle making, soap making, gardening and open hearth cooking. Ages 9-14. $45 plus $5 parking. (912) 384-1581.
Junior Ranger Day Camp
Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Panola Mountain State Park – Stockbridge
This 5-day program will introduce kids ages 6-12 to the wonders of the outdoors. Activities include hiking, fishing, frog hunting, bug catching, bird watching, craft making, geocaching, orienteering and more. Bring lunch and snacks. Badge ceremony and family picnic will be held July 13 at 11:30. Register in advance. $60 plus $5 parking. (770) 389-7801.
Art Camp in Adel
Monday, July 9 through Friday, July 13, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Kids ages 9 and older will learn different art styles and mediums while creating art pieces of their own. Kids will learn how to express themselves though art and make friends in the process. Friday, kids will present their art in a parent gallery to show off their work. $45 plus $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Camp Reed Bingham (Ages 10-14)
Monday, July 16 through Friday, July 20, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Reed Bingham State Park – Adel
Children ages 10-14 will enjoy learning survival skills, animal ID, hiking and camping skills. Register in advance. $45 plus $5 parking. (229) 896-3551.
Junior Rangers at Kolomoki Mounds
Monday, July 16 through Thursday, July 19, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park – Blakely
Children ages 8-12 can participate in this four-day camp where they will learn about the environment, conservation, safety and wildlife to earn their first Junior Ranger badge. Daily outdoor activities will be scheduled as well. Reservations required. $60 for the week. (229) 724-2150.
Georgia State Parks offer affordable overnight options from traditional campsites and cottages, to yurts and even hotel-style lodge rooms. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org or to make reservations call 1-800-864-7275.
