From 15 to 19 August, the Grenspark organised the annual Junior Rangerkamp. This is a unique nature camp for young people aged 13 to 17, where the whole week is dedicated to nature in and around Grenspark Kalmthoutse Heide. They spent the night in the cosy camping farm Rommeshoef.
A well-filled programme with lots of variety it certainly was! The young nature lovers did their own management work such as removing American bird cherry and young pines to keep a heath open. They went on an instructive walk with Marc Vogels, a volunteer at Natuurpunt, and got explanations about management work in the area. They spotted birds and learned to recognise them and had several workshops such as rope braiding with nettle fibres, drawing animals, tying a net, pimping a walking map, recognising wood species and much more!
An adventurous evening drop and an exciting overnight stay in Natuurpunt's forester's house, a blind guide walk complete with simulation glasses and white sticks to experience nature in a completely different way, a nature quiz, many games in between and healthy and tasty food made the week complete.
Thanks to the guides who made this young gang experience an unforgettable week!
Some quotes about this unforgettable week:
"We would like to thank you for the lovely week, Maarten was very enthusiastic, by the sound of it he had a wonderful week."
”I really want to thank you for the fun camp, Arthur really enjoyed it, learnt a lot and met nice people... thanks!"
”Alixe really enjoyed the camp. Thanks for the good organisation. It was a hit."
"The atmosphere was really excellent this year. This camp means a lot to me, I used to enjoy experiencing the Junior Ranger camp a few times as a participant. I am glad that I have now been able to do my bit as a counselor to give the youngsters that same experience. Hopefully, I will be able to come back several more times as a facilitator."