About the NPS Junior Ranger Program

What is the NPS Junior Ranger Program?

Image Courtesy nps.gov

The Junior Ranger program offered by the National Park Service invites young park visitors to become a member of the NPS family. This program provides kids and their families the opportunity to explore in-depth and learn about their national parks and educates them on ways they can protect them for future generations.

According to the NPS, there are over 200 Junior Ranger programs offered; however, I’m sure there are much more than that as there are over 400 national park sites. In the parks that offer the program, kids receive a booklet with activities to complete, which include activities such as ‘Ask A Ranger,’ games and puzzles, and questions about the site they are visiting. Upon completion, they will be officially sworn in as a Junior Ranger and will receive something such as a badge, patch, and/or certificate to commemorate their achievement.

The reason I love the Junior Ranger program so much is because not only do you get a badge or patch for your efforts upon completion of the program , it also brings attention to the off-the-beaten-path type of stuff that you may miss by just “passing through” the site.

There are several different types of Junior Ranger programs, some of which are not offered at all parks; however, some parks may offer multiple programs, so always ask about all programs when visiting the site. Some Junior Ranger programs are designed for different age groups and the awards offered may vary.

Explore on, Junior Rangers! :)