Junior Ranger Program

Field Trips

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail fourth-grade field trip was originally developed by Jerry Schenck, a fourth-grade teacher at Wrightsville Elementary School who participated in the NPS Teacher Development Program. Since 2016, local fourth-grade students have explored the Susquehanna River at the Zimmerman Center for Heritage, a historic mansion managed by Susquehanna National Heritage Area.

During the trip, students embark on a scavenger hunt at the Zimmerman Center and its waterfront pavilion, learning about Captain John Smith’s travels and observations, as well as the history of the Susquehanna River. They then take a guided hike to Native Lands County Park to visit the site of a former Susquehannock town and understand how colonization shaped the lives and lands of the Susquehannock people. Students also participate in a field stream study, discovering how individual actions impact the health of rivers, streams, and the Chesapeake Bay. As part of the experience, they complete the Chesapeake Trail Susquehanna River Edition of the NPS Junior Ranger Activity Book and are sworn in by a National Park Ranger, receiving Junior Ranger badges to commemorate their day.

With the support of partners and donors, Susquehanna National Heritage Area now also offers a fifth-grade field trip. Fifth graders paddle the Susquehanna in 24-foot Voyageur canoes and participate in field studies that explore the science, history, geography, and culture of their local communities. The paddling experience is provided by Wilderness Inquiry, while local partners deliver the land-based lessons. Each year, the Canoemobile also offers the general public the opportunity to enjoy a paddle in these jumbo-sized canoes.

Interested in bringing your school for a field trip? Contact  us at info@susqnha.org  

Your support makes these field trips possible. Learn about donations, sponsorships and the educational tax credit program.