Posted on 16th Oct 2012 @ 2:50 PM

National Park Service Releases New Children’s Music CD

“Songs for Junior Rangers” features 20 fun tunes about national parks

“Songs for Junior Rangers,” a new National Park Service CD, will have kids singing, dancing, and laughing as they learn fun facts about history and nature. The CD’s 20 tracks contain catchy lyrics about national parks designed to both entertain and educate children.

Several Black Hills, South Dakota area national park sites are featured including Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument in the caving song “Spelunka Funka” and Mount Rushmore in “Four Presidents.”  Other subjects covered include elk in “Wapiti Hoppity” and bison in “Humps, Hooves, and Horns.” Musical elements include hip hop, reggae, blues, jazz, rock, zydeco, funk, and even polka.

Park rangers from New Orleans Jazz and Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument appear on the album as well as many talented New Orleans musicians, and youth such as Navajo singer/songwriter Krishel Augustine and the Youth Ambassador Program from New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park. The album also features celebrity guests such as the

a cappella group Committed, the Grammy nominated children’s group Trout Fishing in America, and PBS personality Aaron Nigel Smith. 

“These witty songs are a great way for children to discover the wonders of national parks,” said National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis. “The official motto of the Junior Ranger Program is ‘Explore, Learn, and Protect’ national parks and I think this music will certainly inspire children to do just that.”

“This CD is an excellent complement to our area park’s Jr. Ranger programs and Jr. Ranger merchandise mix.  It is a great way for locals and visitors to learn more about our parks in a fun and meaningful way,” states Black Hills Parks & Forests Operations Manager Patty Ressler.  “Songs for Junior Rangers’ CDs are available for purchase at the park stores in Wind Cave National Park and Jewel Cave National Monument or on the web - www.blackhillsparks.org.  All merchandise purchases support interpretive programming in the parks.    

“Songs for Junior Rangers” is a service-wide project of the National Park Service, funded by the National Park Foundation, the official charity of America’s national parks. Black Hills Parks & Forests Association is a non-profit cooperating partner with federal and state agencies to promote public understanding, appreciation, and stewardship of the Black Hills’ natural and cultural heritage.