2011-2012 Activities Calendar

ECHO Rangers is now accepting advance registration for the 2011-2012 program. To register, download a registration form. Those signing up at DeBary Hall will receive their ECHO Ranger materials onsite; all others  may pick up their materials at their local library after advance registration concludes Sept. 1.

Volusia County's ECHO Ranger program educates youth, their families and scout troops about the many
Ecological, Cultural, Heritage and Outdoors offerings.

The program is for children in grades 1- 5 (as of Aug. 16, 2011). The cost is $20 per child. Entry fees to all sites for the ECHO Ranger candidate and one adult are included in the $20 fee.

ECHO Rangers programs are at parks, museums, historical sites and libraries throughout Volusia County. Activities are scheduled on weekends from September through May. Each activity lasts one to three hours, and reservations should be made for each program at least one week in advance.

The ECHO Rangers program is coordinated by the staff of DeBary Hall Historic Site, 210 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary. If you have any questions about the ECHO Rangers program, please call DeBary Hall at 386-668-3840.

How does the program work?

The guidebook explains the many different sites in the program. ECHO Rangers must participate in specially designed ECHO Ranger activities at a minimum of eight sites. Participants take their guidebook to each site and receive an ECHO Ranger stamp when they complete that site’s activity or program.

What materials does an ECHO Ranger receive?
In addition to the guidebook, students will receive:

• An ECHO Ranger badge and lanyard
• An invitation to the graduation celebration

Graduates will receive a T-shirt and certificate.

Cookout and Graduation Celebration
Children completing the program will be invited to the graduation celebration where they will be promoted to official ECHO Rangers – an elite group of students who have educated themselves about the many great quality-of-life offerings in our community. The graduation celebration will be June 9, 2012.

ECHO RANGER GUIDELINES
Congratulations on becoming an ECHO Ranger candidate! You will embark on exciting adventures as you and your parent or guardian visit interesting ECHO sites throughout Volusia County in your quest to become an official ECHO Ranger.

To help you in your quest, here are some guidelines to follow:

• RSVP directly to the site at least one week before each activity.
• If there is inclement weather, contact the site that morning to see if the activity will be offered.
• Show your ECHO Ranger badge and guidebook to gain entry to the sites on the days you have RSVP’d.
• Have an adult accompany you throughout the entire activity.
• Earn stamps from at least eight sites. You must visit at least two sites under each category (Ecological, Cultural, Heritage and Outdoors). Have your guidebook stamped at each site after completing the activity.

SAFETY TIPS

• Always walk trails with a buddy.
• Stay on existing trails and follow the instructor, especially when you’re in the woods.
• Wear a life jacket when you’re in a canoe, kayak or boat.
• Carry bug spray and water for deep-woods adventures.
• Wear appropriate, comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Leave only your footprints; use litter or recycling receptacles.

Children and a parent are encouraged to complete the registration form.

For more information about the ECHO Ranger program, please contact Heather
Hohman at hhohman@co.volusia.fl.us 386-668-3840.