Published June 09, 2009 09:38 am - June 9, 2009
Rangers ready
Area youth enjoy a recreation program offered at Sequoyah State Park.
By TRAVINA COLEMAN
Press Staff Writer
HULBERT — Sequoyah State Park Rangers Bryan Qualls and Barry Hardaway had their hands full as the first day of the Junior Ranger program kicked off for the summer at Western Hills Guest Ranch at Sequoyah State Park.
“It’s a success because of all the people who help out,” Hardaway said. “The rec staff and the nature center do a lot to make this work.”
The Junior Ranger program is provided annually for youth ages 8 to 14.
What began as a cloudy and wet morning cleared into a cloudless sky, and being Oklahoma, there was some humidity as the sun bore down mid-afternoon.
“I am glad it’s sunny,” Caitlyn Russell, of Hulbert said.
Sheri Russell, Caitlyn’s mother, said she was too.
“She has been looking forward to this camp since I enrolled her,” she said. “It’s nice, she went last year too. It was all she talked about.”
Twenty-two children gathered in the Cow Poke Recreation Center, enjoying some free time before their boat ride.
“They seem to enjoy it,” Hardaway said.
Just then, one young ranger came up asking Qualls for a quarter.
“I am thirsty,” said Daniel Clayton, a day camper from Hulbert.
“What have you had so far?” Hardaway asked.
Clayton said he had soda.
“Then let’s get some water,” Hardaway said.
While the two full-time park rangers and Cyndi Short, park naturalist, let the children burn some of the morning energy and their lunch of sandwiches, they were mentally preparing for a boat ride with 22 children.