Ranger's Challenge is a program quite unlike any other you will find anywhere. Hang with Ranger John Hankins for an exotic week of special activities that go way outside of the "norm." If you're an older Scout that's tired of the same old routine you'll find plenty of fun and adventure with guys your own age doing some unconventional things. Check below for a look at what Ranger John has in store for you in "Ranger's Challenge."

Ranger Challenge Video-scroll to the right and click play button in the black box. You may need to download the latest version of Adobe Flash Player.

2009 Challenge Activities (all activities are subject to change or weather concerns)

• Monday- 2-5- Orientation, This day will give me the chance to cover thirty or forty different areas of interest to the kids and to get them used to the way I do things and to allow me to assess the group. I will cover things like indian lore, survival, birds, snakes, trees, spear throwing, boomerangs, camp history, Etc. I will tell them exactly what they will need to bring for the rest of the week.
• Tuesday- Once again I am planning to leave camp right after lunch and go back to Crabtree falls in Nelson County. We will also stop and visit with Todd Rapalee at the Taxidermy studio outside of Georges Tavern. We will not be getting back into camp until around 11PM. The scouts will need to bring a small amount of spending money for a meal and a trip to the old country store at Montebello. We will also get a private tour of the trout hatchery on top of the Mountain. This is a strenuous hike but we do not move any faster than the slowest person in the group. Prepare to get wet in the upper falls. Rain or shine!
• Wednesday- Right after lunch on Wednesday we will load up and head to the Big Mountain Hunting Camp in the Pedlar Creek Wilderness area. We will stop along the way to walk out on the Bridge at the James River State Park area. This is private property up near the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will hike to the top of the Ridge in an area that is filled with wildlife and wildflowers. We can use the cabin in case of extreme weather. Very Strenuous hike. We will hit a fast food place on the way home ($). Arrive at camp near 11PM.
• Thursday- I want to continue my night program on the lake after dark. I have a lot of scouts who say that this is one of the best parts of Rangers Challenge. We will deal with nocturnal wildlife, astronomy, Canoe Safety, etc. Starts at 8:15 at the waterfront- Must be a swimmer!
• Friday- 2-5- Blackpowder Rifles- We will spend a lot of time on general firearms safety and Hunter safety. We will also discuss cleaning the guns and all of the necessary gear that you need for blackpowder. I want to be sure that the kids have a lot of chances to shoot and I normally have a number of simple competitions.