The Fort Scott National Historic Site’s Trailblazer Program ends August 10.

During this workshop, children were introduced to the National Park Service mission of caring for the nation’s natural and cultural heritage, according to the Fort Scott National Historic Site website: https://www.nps.gov/fosc/learn/news/trailblazercamp.htm

They searched for treasure in a mock archaeological dig, explored the prairie, and discovered methods used to preserve the buildings and artifacts of the fort. The students engaged in living history, learned flag protocol and worked on a play that they will present at the end of the week.  Also, there were green activities that taught children how to use resources wisely.

The new Fort Scott National Historic Site Ranger has been around.

From Shenandoah National Park, VA to Grand Canyon National Park, AZ to Pinnacles National Monument, Yosemite National Park, Golden Gate National Park-all in California to Lake Meredith National Recreation Area in the Texas  Panhandle, Carl Brenner has been all across America.

As of July 22,  Brenner is the new Supervisory Ranger and Chief of Interpretation and Resource Management at FSNHS.

“I came to Fort Scott to continue my journey,” Brenner said. “I grew up in St. Louis, MO. I love the history close to home.”

Brenner is ready to become a part of Fort Scott.

“I’m ready to begin engaging with the community-schools, hospital, veterans, all civic organizations here in town,” he said. “And reaching out to other communities to bring them here.”

He wants to tell the story of the fort and its opportunities.

Brenner has a passion for the National Park Service.

“The park service story is the story of America,” he said. “It’s our responsibility to share that story.”

“Growing up I never realized you could have a job in the park service,” Brenner said. “Learning about nature and the cultures, being able to share them can be a career.”

That’s what his father, John Brenner, taught him, which inspired him. His first supervisor, Barb Stewart,  also ” instilled the values of what the park service is and the possibilities that exist.”

The N.P.S became his family, he said.

His personal family is a wife, Maggie, who is still packing up their belongings in Texas, and his dogs, a German Shepherd and a Golden Retriever.

Brenner has been welcomed by the community, he said, and he is impressed with the number of activities that go on in town.

He will have to coordinate with all the activities to “have people come and enjoy the fort,” he said.

This week is Trailblazer Week at the fort.

Brenner believes this is an exposure to the fort and a pathway into a career for youth.

“I’d like to start doing that with schools, the curriculum at the schools,” he said. “Try to build pathways for people to learn about resources  and opportunities with the park service.”