Make-a-Wish Helps 8-Year-Old Boy Become a Park Ranger at Yosemite for a Day

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Gabriel LaVon Ying, right, learning how to assist an injured hiker during a simulated search and rescue operation with the Yosemite medical team.National Park Service / AP
By Olivia B. Waxman

An outdoorsy 8-year-old boy got to be a park ranger at Yosemite National Park in California for a day, NBC San Diego reports.

Gabriel LaVon-Ying of Gainsville, Florida, put out a fire and participated in a mock search-and-rescue for an injured hiker, all as part of an experience organized by the Make-A-Wish chapter of Central and Northern Florida.

The youngster suffers from Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a disorder that affects connective tissues and causes overly flexible joints and stretchy skin.

Gabriel LaVon Ying, right, learning to put out a simulated wildland fire while working with the Yosemite Fire Crew.National Park Service / AP

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Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com