Learning Materials
Annual Theme
Every year, North Carolina State Parks has celebrated an annual theme in all of our state parks. Programs, festivals, and events throughout the state support the annual theme.
The Interpretive and Education Council, a diverse group of park staff members from across the state, selects the theme each year based on suggestions and nominations.
Our Annual Theme resources pages have a list of interpretive programs, classroom resources, field resources, and other materials to help staff and educators join the celebration.
Annual Theme Resources
Junior Ranger Program
Becoming a Junior Ranger gives kids the opportunity to learn about and explore North Carolina's beautiful state parks with their families or scout, school, and homeschool groups through self-led educational activities and programs. Junior Rangers may also have the opportunity to help park rangers protect the health of the park through short community service projects.
Kids visiting the park for the day can complete activities in the guide, attend park-led programs, complete small community service projects given by park staff, participate in the EcoExplore program, and hike in the park. Doing these activities earn acorns. Upon caching 20 acorn points, Junior Rangers can receive the park's unique Junior Ranger patch.
Pick up a Junior Ranger Activity Guide at the visitor center or print your own from the documents list:
Junior Ranger Activity Booklet
Pocket Activities for Any Park
- Year of the Trail: Find Your Path (PDF)
- Year of the Tree: Take Root and Grow & Trees to Meet You (PDF)
- Year of the Beetle: Meet the Beetles (PDF)
- Girl Scouts Love State Parks for Daisies (PDF)
- Girl Scouts Love State Parks for Brownies (PDF)
- Girl Scouts Love State Parks for Juniors (PDF)
- Litter Scavenger Hunt (PDF)