Junior Ranger Sprouts: Week One – Touch

New Germany State Park will host Junior Ranger Sprouts, a free program designed for children ages 2-4, every Monday from September 11 through October 9.

Each week, a nature-themed program will focus on one of the five senses — taste, touch, hearing, smell, and sight. Programs will include a short walk, an art or music activity, and snack time. All children must be supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the program.

The programs are free (supported by the Friends of New Germany State Park), but donations are welcome. Registration is required for each weekly program. To register, please email noah.manges@maryland.gov.

During this program, Rangers Noah and Hannah will lead the group on a short walk (weather permitting), during which the kids will find and feel things like leaves, rocks, pine cones, dirt, and mud. Various animal furs will also be available for kids to feel and compare. After the walk, the group will return to the Lake House, where the kids can paint some of the things they found, using their fingers and pine needle brushes. The program will conclude with “worms and dirt” for snack time, along with grapes and apple slices.