Shayleigh becomes a Junior Ranger!

Our first "official" day of school started with a field trip. Uncle Troy is in town, and he is a Civil War buff, along with Pop Pop, so it was about time Shayleigh got to see what hanging with them in their element was all about. It's no secret that she loves Abraham Lincoln, so I knew she would love visiting Civil War battlefields. We headed up north about 20 miles to the Monocacy National Battlefield. I don't remember if I've ever been there, but it was nice. Shayleigh was hoping to see some dead soldiers or something, I don't really know what goes on in her mind, but I'm happy to report we didn't see any.

First stop was to the visitors center. Outside, there was a "canyon," as Shayleigh called it. She's so funny. I took a picture of her with it and she was afraid to stand right in front of it because "Canyons are deadly!"

Can you see the worry in her face?

Inside there were some displays about Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, John Wilkes Booth, and some other important people during the Civil War. She's only 5, so she doesn't know EVERYTHING about the Civil War yet, but she's learning.

Taking it all in.

We stopped by the desk and talked with a volunteer who  told us about the Junior Ranger Program they have with the National Parks. Well, of course Shayleigh wanted to be a Junior Ranger. So he gave her a booklet full of 12 different activities to fill out throughout her visit at the Park. She only needed to complete 4 because of her age.

So with booklet in hand, we headed up to the museum on the second floor. It was a small museum, but packed a lot of information in the space. As soon as we hit the first display, Shayleigh was off to work!

Here she was filling out which States were part of the Confederacy and which were still  in the Union in 1864.

One of the coolest things in the museum was this interactive map that showed where each Infantry was, the route they took, and where they met up on the fields. It was narrated and lit up at the appropriate time. Very cool!

It was lit up when I snapped the picture!

So engrossed.

After we looked at EVERYTHING, and completed her four activities, we headed downstairs to have the volunteer "check her answers."

So sure she got them right!

Well, she passed, and we even had a discussion on whether or not West Virginia counted as a state then or not (I think she proved her case).  Next, was the swearing in ceremony. I kid you not, this is serious business!

Listening intently.

Repeating back the pledge as she's sworn in.

Check out Abe in the lower right corner.

Certified Junior Ranger!

We hopped in the car and took a short drive over to the Worthington Farm. As a 6 year old boy, Glenn Worthington witnessed the Battle take place on his property while peering through the cellar windows. As an adult, Judge Glenn Worthington was instrumental in the development of Monacacy National Battlefield getting it's National Park status.

The Worthington House

View through the windows.

Stairs.

We headed off to the Ford Loop trail, a 1.6 mile trail through the farm. Had we brought a more detailed map, we would have known what some of the markers were. However, it was nice to walk and know that we were walking where 150 years ago, both Union and Confederate soldiers were marching and strategizing.

Plaque in the field.

Off towards the river.

Soldiers walked here, Mom!

Did I mention besides the Hurricane, it also rained for a week? Uncle Troy had to carry her through mud.

Anyone know what these are?

I think she's leading.

The soldiers crossed right here!

I have no idea what they were discussing.

Did I mention the trail was 1.6 miles! Pop Pop did a great job keeping up. Shayleigh thought that after this, we should hit the next battlefield. The kid never stops!

She is standing right where the soldiers were fighting.

Crazy to think that 150 years ago, Blue and Gray were battling right here.

Our first trip was a success! She's already planning the next trip. I think Gettysburg might be in our near future. Did you hear that Uncle Troy?