About the Program


about the nps junior ranger program


Junior Ranger Program Logo
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. The 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. There are over 200 Junior Ranger programs offered by the National Park Service. In the parks that offer this program, kids will complete activities such as ‘Ask A Ranger,’ games/puzzles, and answer questions about the site they are visiting. Upon completion, they will be sworn in officially as a Junior Ranger and will receive something such as a badge, patch and/or certificate to commemorate their achievement.
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 (e.g., Junior Ranger and Junior Trail Ranger), so always ask about all programs when visiting the site. Also, the basic Junior Ranger program may go by a different name depending on the park site (e.g., Junior Dunes Ranger instead of Junior Ranger at White Sands NM). Be sure to check out the comprehensive list (currently under construction) to find out which programs are offered at which sites.
Descriptions of the programs are outlined below.
Junior Ranger - The basic program. Kids of all ages can participate. Activities may vary based on age.
Availability: In over 200+ parks!
Ranger Explorer – Similar to the basic Junior Ranger program; however, the activities in this program are geared more towards older kids and teens (typically ages 13+).
Availability: Only available in certain parks.
Let’s Move Outside! Junior Ranger – Whereas the basic Junior Ranger program focuses more on learning about the park, this program encourages kids and families to engage in outdoor physical activity as they explore. This program is a part of and inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s nationwide Let’s Move campaign to end childhood obesity. A number of national park sites participate in this program. More information about this program can be found here.
Availability: Only available in certain parks.
Junior Trail Ranger – Part of the Let’s Move Outside program, the Junior Trail Ranger program requires participants to walk/hike designated trails and complete activities. Upon completion, participants typically receive a pin for their efforts. Some parks have different pins for the various trails in their park. Program guides are available upon request.
Availability: Only available in certain parks.
Junior Ranger Night Explorer – This program encourages young park visitors to explore the “dark side” of their national parks. In this program, children will learn about the phases of the moon, stars and galaxies, and will use all their senses to explore the night environment of a national park. The Night Explorer program is free (activity guide provided upon request), but only offered in certain national parks.
Availability: Only available in certain parks; sometimes only offered as a part of a ranger program.
Wilderness Explorer Junior Ranger – Designed to be completed while exploring “Wilderness” areas of the NPS, these activities are geared for ages 8 to adults, or at some sites ages 13+. Like other junior ranger books, activities in the wilderness booklet are labeled for completion depending on your age. It is flexible enough that you can complete this program at any area with wilderness resources (booklet contains a map with ideas of where to start).
Availability: Varies. Booklet and Certificate available online. 
  
To my knowledge only four parks/areas offer “formal” Wilderness Explorer programs with their own Wilderness Explorer books: Chiricahua NM, Fire Island, Shenandoah NP, and Eastern Nevada Wilderness.
Senior Ranger – Finally! A program for the Not-So-Junior Rangers! This program is designed for “Senior” Junior Rangers (read: adults) and is offered at certain NPS sites. Participants are expected to promote NPS sites, learn and support conservation methods and efforts, and model appropriate behavior to Junior Rangers and others. Like their Junior Ranger counterparts, Senior Rangers will receive a badge, patch, and/or certificate for their efforts.
Availability: Only available in certain parks. Program is technically for ages 12+; gotta love that +! ;)
Junior Chief Ranger – As a Junior Ranger or Ranger Explorer, some parks offer the opportunity to be “promoted” to Junior Chief Rangers. Real Chief Rangers are responsible for the work that is done by all the rangers and is the one who reports to the Superintendent of the park; therefore, this special ranger must know their park very well. Like their official counterparts, Junior Chief Rangers must also know all about the park. Special activities are added to the end of the Junior Ranger/Ranger Explorer book that must be completed in addition to the regular requirements of the Junior Ranger/Ranger Explorer program (after all, you have to be a ranger to be promoted). Upon completion, Junior Chief Rangers receive a special recognition award.
Availability: Only available in certain national parks. As of this writing, I personally have only seen it in the Natchez Trace Junior Ranger book.
Master Junior Ranger – As a Junior Ranger or Ranger Explorer, some parks offer the opportunity to be “promoted” to Master Junior Ranger. Special activities are added to the end of the Junior Ranger/Ranger Explorer book that must be completed in addition to the regular requirements of the Junior Ranger/Ranger Explorer Program (after all, you have to be a ranger to be promoted). Upon completion, Master Junior Rangers receive a special recognition award.
Availability: Only available in certain national park sites. As of this writing, I personally have only seen it in the Castillo de San Marcos NM and the Fort Matanzas NM Junior Ranger books.
Junior Dunes Ranger – Name of the program offered at White Sands National Monument. Equivalent to the basic Junior Ranger program.
Desert (Explorer) Ranger – A version of the Senior Ranger program. This program is designed for “Senior” Junior Rangers (read: adults) and is only offered (to my knowledge) at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona. The Desert Ranger program is self-described as being for “the young at heart.” As a Desert Ranger, participants are expected to promote NPS sites, learn and support conservation methods and efforts, and model appropriate behavior to Junior Rangers and others. Also ever-vigilant, Desert Rangers notify Park Rangers of any potential safety hazards. Like their Junior Ranger counterparts, Desert Rangers will receive a badge, patch, and/or certificate for their efforts.
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