NEW South Dakota State Park JUNIOR NATURALIST PROGRAM

The Junior Naturalist Program is an excellent opportunity for youth 7-12 years of age to explore South Dakota State Parks and learn about the rich natural and cultural history of South Dakota. The Junior Naturalist Program also encourages youth to be physically active in the outdoors by participating in exciting recreational opportunities.

Being a South Dakota State Park Junior Naturalist is a special privilege and an honor. As a Junior Naturalist you will:

Explore nature and the history of South Dakota
Gain knowledge to share with others
Protect the valuable resources in the state
Be physically active in the outdoors

When participants have met all the requirements, they will receive an official South Dakota State Park Junior Naturalist embroidered patch.

Dear Parents:
The Junior Naturalist Program is meant to be fun and educational for the whole family. Please participate as much and as often as you can with your child and always be aware of good safety practices. Thank you.

South Dakota Junior Naturalist Requirements

Age: Be 7-12 years old.

Cost: Free and open to the public

Park Programs: Participate in a minimum of five interpretive programs offered in a South Dakota state park and have the Junior Naturalist card signed and dated by the person leading the program. Examples include a Walk in the Park program, campground program and a nature day camp. Most of the programs in the parks are offered during the summer months. The hope is that each youth will participate in the program for all six years. There is much to explore, learn and enjoy in South Dakota state parks.

Physically Active Recreational Activities: Participate in at least three recreational activities in a South Dakota state park. Activities can include but are not limited to hiking, swimming, biking, playing disc golf, canoeing, kayaking, playing lawn games, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. After participating in an activity, the individual writes the name of the activity and date on the Junior Naturalist card.

Junior Naturalists are encouraged to invite adult family members and friends to the park programs as well as to participate together in the recreational activities. It is fun to learn and grow together!

All requirements must be completed within one calendar year (January – December). To view a calendar of park programs, go to the event calendar at www.SDparks.info. If you have concerns about accessibility or need to arrange for special accommodations, please contact the SD Division of Parks and Recreation at (605) 773-3391 a minimum of two weeks prior to the event so that arrangements can be made for reasonable requests.

Awards: Once the card has all the required written information, it is to be given to a state park naturalist/programmer who will present the official South Dakota Junior Naturalist patch. One patch can be earned per child per year. There will be a different patch given each year. The goal is for a child to collect all six.

Name ___________________________________________ Age ________

Address ___________________________________________

City/Town ___________________________ State _____ Zip ____________

Interpretive Programs Attended

Date	Park	Name of Program	Signature of Presenter

Recreational Activities

Date	Park	Type of Recreational Activity	Jr. Naturalist's Signature

Be sure to keep this record in a safe place until it is completed. Once finished, give it to a SD state park naturalist/programmer who will present you with an official patch.

The following South Dakota state parks have their own Junior Naturalist programs:
Angostura, Bear Butte, Custer, Rocky Point, Roughlock Falls and Shadehill. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in these programs when visiting in the western part of the state.

Park staff may photograph or videotape participants in park programs or events. These photos are for use by the parks for park publications or media promotions.

Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the SD. Department of Game, Fish and Park is available to all individuals without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, age or handicap. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to: S.D. Department of Game, Fish and Parks, 523 E. Capitol Avenue, Pierre, SD 57501-3182; or to the Office of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20240

For more information on SD state parks, go online to www.SDparks.Info. Come Enjoy YOUR state parks!

Sponsored by the South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation, 523 E. Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501-3182. (605) 773-3391