Shared by Katie Shepard, Chief Ranger Visitor Experience, as Guest Blogger.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a park ranger? Now is your chance to find out: 

Head to Belle Isle State Park on Friday, April 1 and Saturday, April 2, 2016 for a special weekend of activities where you’ll experience the duties of a park ranger.

Campfire programs are a great way to meet park staff and fellow campers

We will kick off the weekend with a campfire highlighting the job of a Park Interpreter.

From leading hikes and paddling trips to helping our guests discover the amazing plants, animals and history of Virginia, these rangers get to have a lot of fun. The campfire starts Friday at 7:00 p.m. at the Amphitheater. Bring along your best family-friendly skit, song or joke to share with your fellow guests. We will supply all the fixin’s for s’mores.

S’mores may be considered a main food group for a park ranger

Saturday morning, meet up at the Visitor Center at 11:00 a.m. for the Resource Ranger hike.

Resource Rangers are in charge of understanding, protecting and improving the native ecosystems of our parks. We will discover some of the tools and techniques they use to get their job done. We might even see some wildlife as we hike along Deep Creek Trail.

Osprey are a common sight along Deep Creek trail this time of year

At 1:00 p.m., try your skills on the Ranger Agility Course.

You will run, jump, climb and crawl your way through the same series of obstacles that our conservation officers do. The whole family can enjoy this fun course that tests both your physical and mental skills.

Can you make it through the low crawl without bumping your head?

Finally, at 3:00 p.m., join us at the picnic area to explore “What it Takes to Keep a Park Running Smooth.”

We will talk about the many skills and jobs of park rangers to maintain the beautiful Virginia State Parks you enjoy. Then put some of those skills to work as you make a small bird feeder to take home.

A lot goes on behind the scenes to keep the park in tip-top shape. Here, Ranger Andy works to clean up Mulberry Creek Boardwalk

For park rangers, every day is a new adventure. We discover and learn new things about our parks all the time, and we love sharing our discoveries with you.

For more information, call the park office at (804) 462-5030 or click here and for overnight accommodations, click here.