Library helps guide new generation of environmentally-friendly kids

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stacy Fowler
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  GPS devices and raccoons - sort of an oxymoron isn't it? It's definitely not something you'd want to bring together in real life.

But the Hurlburt Field Library has begun a new program with the help of raccoon Ranger Rick and his friends.

"Hurlburt's Ranger Rick program is a geocaching adventure into some of the wooded areas on base," said Sabrina Honda, Hurlburt Field Library technician. "We've chosen three sites on Hurlburt Field that will get families walking off the beaten path."

Telling you where exactly each location is located would be cheating, but Ms. Honda can give junior rangers (as well as their parents) the GPS locations and let them find their way.

"Many people have GPS devices, smartphones or other electronic gadgets that have GPS in them," Ms. Honda said. "We give you three GPS locations, and it is up to you to find the hidden caches. It might be surprising for drivers or those running along some of these routes to see people wandering in the woods - but don't worry, it's all for education!"

And education is the goal when combining technology and nature.

"I learned how to use a GPS, which was cool," said Tyler Caylor, 11, one of the first to tackle the Ranger Rick adventure. "I love exploring the woods and going on adventures, and I wish there were a lot more locations. I wanted to find more!"

How does the library keep track of who goes where? They are using stamps and logbooks found at each location. Junior rangers are given a sheet with Ranger Rick and friends, and at each location has a riddle to solve to stamp the correct animal friend.

But wait! Before you decide to take the family for a woodsy romp, there are some things you need to prepare for - some Ranger Rick Rules of Engagement:

1. These trails are not close to each other or the library - you will need a car or bike to get to the start of the trails so be prepared.
2. Wear walking/tennis shoes or boots when walking in the woods. Flip-flops or sandals will not protect your feet from the foliage that will be growing in the places you will go.
3. Bug spray is highly encouraged to protect against mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers and other insects.
4. All junior rangers must be accompanied by an adult for safety. These trails are not very strenuous, but they are in the woods so children should not be left unattended.
5. Strollers are not going to work well on at least one of the trails, so you'll need to think of other types of transportation once on the trails.
6. Bring water and sunscreen, especially as the temperatures continue to rise and summer begins to take hold of Florida.

What's next you ask? Well, depending on the level of interest, the program is expandable and in time can cover more than just the three sites. The program could include potential side games to help young (and not so young) rangers identify plants and wildlife they see as they seek out the locations.

So if you would like to see more, do more and get outside more, let the Library personnel know.

"The Library is encouraging families to spend time together having fun outdoors," Ms. Honda said. "Studies have shown that just being in natural settings will lower stress levels, and playing outside in unstructured activities sparks the imagination."

For more information on this or other outdoor education programs, contact the Hurlburt Field Library at 884-5121.