{"id":4521,"date":"2026-01-31T11:38:55","date_gmt":"2026-01-31T18:38:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/?page_id=4521"},"modified":"2026-02-22T11:24:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-22T18:24:26","slug":"junior-rangers-3","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/junior-rangers-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Junior Rangers"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"4521\" class=\"elementor elementor-4521\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7bc9551 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7bc9551\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-9c2ea1d\" data-id=\"9c2ea1d\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2dad47 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"b2dad47\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" class=\"wp-image-4527\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bigcottonwood-edited.jpg\" alt=\"Cottonwood tree at outdoor classroom.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bigcottonwood-edited.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bigcottonwood-edited-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bigcottonwood-edited-600x337.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2026 IS CURRENTLY CLOSED.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Join us for four weeks of hands-on, inquiry-based summer camp at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the Park and its mission.<\/p>\n\n<p>Junior Rangers Summer Camp is for middle-school aged youth (11-14 years old) and will run for 2 weeks in June and 2 weeks in July, Monday to Thursday, from 9:00am to 2:00pm.<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>June 15-19 \u2013\u00a0Week 1: Plants &amp; Pollinators\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>The bosque comes alive in June with the thrum of insects, the buzz of hummingbirds and the flutter of moths.\u00a0Explore\u00a0the fascinating world of plants and their pollinators\u00a0Learn how to\u00a0identify\u00a0common plants of the\u00a0bosque and which insects and birds pollinate them.\u00a0Create arts and crafts inspired by\u00a0the natural world around you.\u00a0Come up with\u00a0a plan to protect\u00a0the\u00a0pollinators in your\u00a0neighborhood\u00a0throughout the winter.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>June 22-26 \u2013\u00a0Week 2:\u00a0The Life\u00a0Aquatic\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Learn\u00a0all about the aquatic life of the\u00a0Middle Rio Grande.\u00a0\u00a0We will trek to the\u00a0river\u00a0and we will trek to the ponds.\u00a0\u00a0Learn about which\u00a0creatures live in the\u00a0river,\u00a0and which creatures live in the wetlands.\u00a0Study\u00a0invertebrates under microscopes and sketch what you see.\u00a0\u00a0Explore\u00a0a whole other world that exists just below the surface.\u00a0Fishes and frogs\u00a0and beavers, oh my!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>July 13-17 \u2013\u00a0Week 3: The Thing with Feathers\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Learn to bird\u00a0this summer!\u00a0Whether you are a novice birder or have been birding since you\u00a0could walk\u00a0this camp is for you. 331\u00a0different species\u00a0of birds have been spotted\u00a0at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park making it one of New Mexico\u2019s premier birding\u00a0hotspots.\u00a0Learn how to\u00a0properly use\u00a0binoculars, work on your bird list, and go birding in the bosque and the wetlands.\u00a0Make bird inspired art and keep a\u00a0birding\u00a0journal.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>July 20-24 \u2013\u00a0Week 4: Belonging in the Bosque\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p>Who belongs\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0bosque?\u00a0What is the difference between an invasive species and a\u00a0native\u00a0species?\u00a0Historically, what roles have humans had in\u00a0shaping\u00a0the\u00a0bosque?\u00a0What roles should humans have in managing the Bosque?\u00a0Put on your land manager hats and work\u00a0gloves, because\u00a0we will be answering tough questions and picking tumbleweeds\u00a0as we\u00a0explore the\u00a0ecology of the Anthropocene in the\u00a0bosque.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Cost: <\/strong>For FRGNC members, each week is\u00a0<strong>$130<\/strong>. For non-member, each week is\u00a0<strong>$160<\/strong>.\u00a0 If you are a member of the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, the 20% discount will be applied to the cost of these sessions at checkout when you enter the Promotion Code\u00a0<strong>Member<\/strong>. (You are a member if you have a current Friends Day Use placard for the park). \u00a0You may also purchase a membership now to get the 20% discount for these sessions and an annual Friends placard. Regular memberships are $30 per year and special memberships for seniors (62+), teachers, people with disabilities, and students (18-23) are $20 per year. If you are registering more than one child, purchase only one membership.\u00a0\u00a0Without a membership, the day use fee is $5 per vehicle per day.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/product\/yearly-membership\/\">Regular Annual Membership<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p><strong>Refund Policy: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Refunds must be requested by 4:00 pm on the Wednesday before the class begins on the next Monday. Call RGNC Visitor Center at\u00a0<em>505-344-7240<\/em>. to make the request.<\/li>\n\n<li>If a last-minute cancellation must be made, a refund will only be issued if there is another student who can be enrolled to fill the space. If there is no one else to take the space, no refund will be made.<\/li>\n\n<li>Class cancellations may occur if there are fewer that 8 students enrolled by the Wednesday before the class begins. Parents will be notified and have the option of a refund or a transfer to another class, if available.<\/li>\n\n<li>FRGNC Administration will make the final decisions on refunds. Refunds are only given by check. For questions, contact the Friends office at 505-343-1373.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>What to Know Before You Register:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Camp will be held regardless of weather.<\/li>\n\n<li>Be on time for class. Meet the teachers at the group shelter in front of the Education Building, south of the parking lot. Pick your child(ren) up on time. Parents\/guardians must sign children in and out of camp.<\/li>\n\n<li>We will be outside as much as possible, so children need to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before class and wear close-toed shoes (no flip-flops). Children should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and protect from scratchy bushes.<\/li>\n\n<li>Cell phones can only be used with permission of the teacher for taking pictures.\u00a0No pictures of other children can be taken and NO other uses of cell phones is permitted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>What to Bring Daily:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Packed lunch<\/li>\n\n<li>Sunscreen &amp; bug spray (applied before arrival, with extra in their bag)<\/li>\n\n<li>A hat for sun protection<\/li>\n\n<li>A full water bottle<\/li>\n\n<li>Close-toed shoes for walking<\/li>\n\n<li>Water shoes (for river exploring!)<\/li>\n\n<li>An extra change of clothes (including shirt, pants, undies, and socks)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Rules for Students:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Children must stay with the group at all times.<\/li>\n\n<li>Do not bring electronic games, toys or other distractions, without explicit permission from Camp Educators.<\/li>\n\n<li>Check with the teacher for permission before bringing specimens to show.<\/li>\n\n<li>Children must be able to follow instructions and be respectful of fellow students, teachers, volunteers, and the park. Potential safety hazards will be discussed. Those who create safety issues will be asked to leave and their registration fee will not be refunded.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p><strong>Note<\/strong>:\u00a0 Registration for each class ends at noon on the Sunday before the class begins on Monday.<\/p>\n\n<p>If you are enrolling more than one child, please close this window and go back to the website when you have completed the registration and payment.<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0 REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2026 IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. Join us for four weeks of hands-on, inquiry-based summer camp at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the Park and its mission. Junior Rangers Summer Camp is for middle-school aged youth (11-14 years old) and will run for 2 weeks in June and 2 weeks in July, Monday to Thursday, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. June 15-19 \u2013\u00a0Week 1: Plants &amp; Pollinators\u00a0 The bosque comes alive in June with the thrum of insects, the buzz of hummingbirds and the flutter of moths.\u00a0Explore\u00a0the fascinating world of plants and their pollinators\u00a0Learn how to\u00a0identify\u00a0common plants of the\u00a0bosque and which insects and birds pollinate them.\u00a0Create arts and crafts inspired by\u00a0the natural world around you.\u00a0Come up with\u00a0a plan to protect\u00a0the\u00a0pollinators in your\u00a0neighborhood\u00a0throughout the winter.\u00a0\u00a0 June 22-26 \u2013\u00a0Week 2:\u00a0The Life\u00a0Aquatic\u00a0 Learn\u00a0all about the aquatic life of the\u00a0Middle Rio Grande.\u00a0\u00a0We will trek to the\u00a0river\u00a0and we will trek to the ponds.\u00a0\u00a0Learn about which\u00a0creatures live in the\u00a0river,\u00a0and which creatures live in the wetlands.\u00a0Study\u00a0invertebrates under microscopes and sketch what you see.\u00a0\u00a0Explore\u00a0a whole other world that exists just below the surface.\u00a0Fishes and frogs\u00a0and beavers, oh my!\u00a0 July 13-17 \u2013\u00a0Week 3: The Thing with Feathers\u00a0 Learn to bird\u00a0this summer!\u00a0Whether you are a novice birder or have been birding since you\u00a0could walk\u00a0this camp is for you. 331\u00a0different species\u00a0of birds have been spotted\u00a0at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park making it one of New Mexico\u2019s premier birding\u00a0hotspots.\u00a0Learn how to\u00a0properly use\u00a0binoculars, work on your bird list, and go birding in the bosque and the wetlands.\u00a0Make bird inspired art and keep a\u00a0birding\u00a0journal.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 July 20-24 \u2013\u00a0Week 4: Belonging in the Bosque\u00a0 Who belongs\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0bosque?\u00a0What is the difference between an invasive species and a\u00a0native\u00a0species?\u00a0Historically, what roles have humans had in\u00a0shaping\u00a0the\u00a0bosque?\u00a0What roles should humans have in managing the Bosque?\u00a0Put on your land manager hats and work\u00a0gloves, because\u00a0we will be answering tough questions and picking tumbleweeds\u00a0as we\u00a0explore the\u00a0ecology of the Anthropocene in the\u00a0bosque.\u00a0\u00a0 Cost: For FRGNC members, each week is\u00a0$130. For non-member, each week is\u00a0$160.\u00a0 If you are a member of the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, the 20% discount will be applied to the cost of these sessions at checkout when you enter the Promotion Code\u00a0Member. (You are a member if you have a current Friends Day Use placard for the park). \u00a0You may also purchase a membership now to get the 20% discount for these sessions and an annual Friends placard. Regular memberships are $30 per year and special memberships for seniors (62+), teachers, people with disabilities, and students (18-23) are $20 per year. If you are registering more than one child, purchase only one membership.\u00a0\u00a0Without a membership, the day use fee is $5 per vehicle per day. \u00a0 Refund Policy: What to Know Before You Register: What to Bring Daily: Rules for Students: Note:\u00a0 Registration for each class ends at noon on the Sunday before the class begins on Monday. If you are enrolling more than one child, please close this window and go back to the website when you have completed the registration and payment. \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4521","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Junior Rangers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/junior-rangers-3\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Junior Rangers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"\u00a0 REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2026 IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. Join us for four weeks of hands-on, inquiry-based summer camp at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the Park and its mission. Junior Rangers Summer Camp is for middle-school aged youth (11-14 years old) and will run for 2 weeks in June and 2 weeks in July, Monday to Thursday, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. June 15-19 \u2013\u00a0Week 1: Plants &amp; Pollinators\u00a0 The bosque comes alive in June with the thrum of insects, the buzz of hummingbirds and the flutter of moths.\u00a0Explore\u00a0the fascinating world of plants and their pollinators\u00a0Learn how to\u00a0identify\u00a0common plants of the\u00a0bosque and which insects and birds pollinate them.\u00a0Create arts and crafts inspired by\u00a0the natural world around you.\u00a0Come up with\u00a0a plan to protect\u00a0the\u00a0pollinators in your\u00a0neighborhood\u00a0throughout the winter.\u00a0\u00a0 June 22-26 \u2013\u00a0Week 2:\u00a0The Life\u00a0Aquatic\u00a0 Learn\u00a0all about the aquatic life of the\u00a0Middle Rio Grande.\u00a0\u00a0We will trek to the\u00a0river\u00a0and we will trek to the ponds.\u00a0\u00a0Learn about which\u00a0creatures live in the\u00a0river,\u00a0and which creatures live in the wetlands.\u00a0Study\u00a0invertebrates under microscopes and sketch what you see.\u00a0\u00a0Explore\u00a0a whole other world that exists just below the surface.\u00a0Fishes and frogs\u00a0and beavers, oh my!\u00a0 July 13-17 \u2013\u00a0Week 3: The Thing with Feathers\u00a0 Learn to bird\u00a0this summer!\u00a0Whether you are a novice birder or have been birding since you\u00a0could walk\u00a0this camp is for you. 331\u00a0different species\u00a0of birds have been spotted\u00a0at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park making it one of New Mexico\u2019s premier birding\u00a0hotspots.\u00a0Learn how to\u00a0properly use\u00a0binoculars, work on your bird list, and go birding in the bosque and the wetlands.\u00a0Make bird inspired art and keep a\u00a0birding\u00a0journal.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 July 20-24 \u2013\u00a0Week 4: Belonging in the Bosque\u00a0 Who belongs\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0bosque?\u00a0What is the difference between an invasive species and a\u00a0native\u00a0species?\u00a0Historically, what roles have humans had in\u00a0shaping\u00a0the\u00a0bosque?\u00a0What roles should humans have in managing the Bosque?\u00a0Put on your land manager hats and work\u00a0gloves, because\u00a0we will be answering tough questions and picking tumbleweeds\u00a0as we\u00a0explore the\u00a0ecology of the Anthropocene in the\u00a0bosque.\u00a0\u00a0 Cost: For FRGNC members, each week is\u00a0$130. For non-member, each week is\u00a0$160.\u00a0 If you are a member of the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, the 20% discount will be applied to the cost of these sessions at checkout when you enter the Promotion Code\u00a0Member. (You are a member if you have a current Friends Day Use placard for the park). \u00a0You may also purchase a membership now to get the 20% discount for these sessions and an annual Friends placard. Regular memberships are $30 per year and special memberships for seniors (62+), teachers, people with disabilities, and students (18-23) are $20 per year. If you are registering more than one child, purchase only one membership.\u00a0\u00a0Without a membership, the day use fee is $5 per vehicle per day. \u00a0 Refund Policy: What to Know Before You Register: What to Bring Daily: Rules for Students: Note:\u00a0 Registration for each class ends at noon on the Sunday before the class begins on Monday. If you are enrolling more than one child, please close this window and go back to the website when you have completed the registration and payment. \u00a0 \u00a0\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/junior-rangers-3\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-22T18:24:26+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/bigcottonwood-edited.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"900\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"506\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/junior-rangers-3\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/junior-rangers-3\\\/\",\"name\":\"Junior Rangers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/junior-rangers-3\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/junior-rangers-3\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/bigcottonwood-edited.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-01-31T18:38:55+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-22T18:24:26+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/junior-rangers-3\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/junior-rangers-3\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/junior-rangers-3\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/bigcottonwood-edited.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/01\\\/bigcottonwood-edited.jpg\",\"width\":900,\"height\":506,\"caption\":\"Cottonwood tree at outdoor classroom.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/index.php\\\/junior-rangers-3\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Junior Rangers\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/\",\"name\":\"Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center\",\"description\":\"Preserve, protect, and educate.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.rgnc.org\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Junior Rangers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.rgnc.org\/index.php\/junior-rangers-3\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Junior Rangers - Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center","og_description":"\u00a0 REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2026 IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. Join us for four weeks of hands-on, inquiry-based summer camp at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the Park and its mission. Junior Rangers Summer Camp is for middle-school aged youth (11-14 years old) and will run for 2 weeks in June and 2 weeks in July, Monday to Thursday, from 9:00am to 2:00pm. June 15-19 \u2013\u00a0Week 1: Plants &amp; Pollinators\u00a0 The bosque comes alive in June with the thrum of insects, the buzz of hummingbirds and the flutter of moths.\u00a0Explore\u00a0the fascinating world of plants and their pollinators\u00a0Learn how to\u00a0identify\u00a0common plants of the\u00a0bosque and which insects and birds pollinate them.\u00a0Create arts and crafts inspired by\u00a0the natural world around you.\u00a0Come up with\u00a0a plan to protect\u00a0the\u00a0pollinators in your\u00a0neighborhood\u00a0throughout the winter.\u00a0\u00a0 June 22-26 \u2013\u00a0Week 2:\u00a0The Life\u00a0Aquatic\u00a0 Learn\u00a0all about the aquatic life of the\u00a0Middle Rio Grande.\u00a0\u00a0We will trek to the\u00a0river\u00a0and we will trek to the ponds.\u00a0\u00a0Learn about which\u00a0creatures live in the\u00a0river,\u00a0and which creatures live in the wetlands.\u00a0Study\u00a0invertebrates under microscopes and sketch what you see.\u00a0\u00a0Explore\u00a0a whole other world that exists just below the surface.\u00a0Fishes and frogs\u00a0and beavers, oh my!\u00a0 July 13-17 \u2013\u00a0Week 3: The Thing with Feathers\u00a0 Learn to bird\u00a0this summer!\u00a0Whether you are a novice birder or have been birding since you\u00a0could walk\u00a0this camp is for you. 331\u00a0different species\u00a0of birds have been spotted\u00a0at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park making it one of New Mexico\u2019s premier birding\u00a0hotspots.\u00a0Learn how to\u00a0properly use\u00a0binoculars, work on your bird list, and go birding in the bosque and the wetlands.\u00a0Make bird inspired art and keep a\u00a0birding\u00a0journal.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 July 20-24 \u2013\u00a0Week 4: Belonging in the Bosque\u00a0 Who belongs\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0bosque?\u00a0What is the difference between an invasive species and a\u00a0native\u00a0species?\u00a0Historically, what roles have humans had in\u00a0shaping\u00a0the\u00a0bosque?\u00a0What roles should humans have in managing the Bosque?\u00a0Put on your land manager hats and work\u00a0gloves, because\u00a0we will be answering tough questions and picking tumbleweeds\u00a0as we\u00a0explore the\u00a0ecology of the Anthropocene in the\u00a0bosque.\u00a0\u00a0 Cost: For FRGNC members, each week is\u00a0$130. For non-member, each week is\u00a0$160.\u00a0 If you are a member of the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, the 20% discount will be applied to the cost of these sessions at checkout when you enter the Promotion Code\u00a0Member. (You are a member if you have a current Friends Day Use placard for the park). \u00a0You may also purchase a membership now to get the 20% discount for these sessions and an annual Friends placard. Regular memberships are $30 per year and special memberships for seniors (62+), teachers, people with disabilities, and students (18-23) are $20 per year. If you are registering more than one child, purchase only one membership.\u00a0\u00a0Without a membership, the day use fee is $5 per vehicle per day. \u00a0 Refund Policy: What to Know Before You Register: What to Bring Daily: Rules for Students: Note:\u00a0 Registration for each class ends at noon on the Sunday before the class begins on Monday. 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