How to Become a Junior Ranger

The Junior Ranger Program of the National Park Service allows children aged 4 to 12 years the opportunity for in-depth exploration and learning in the nation's parks. The program is free of charge and offers extensive learning materials for kids as well as curriculum plans for teachers. As Junior Rangers, young people cultivate a sense of "ownership" in our country's national parks.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose a national park to explore. Create a self-paced, tailored program that focuses on areas of personal interest, such as history, science, nature or monuments and landmarks (see Resources below).
2. Stop by the park's Visitor Center and ask for a Junior Ranger booklet and curriculum guide. Follow the instructions in the booklet to complete the program.
3. Visit various parts of the park as detailed in the Junior Ranger booklet. Explore and do research that supports the program curriculum.
4. Take time to reflect and answer the questions in the booklet. Use the park itself or the park's website. Complete the drawings requested in the booklet. Ask an adult for help as needed.
5. Visit the National Park Service's website to "explore" various national parks online. Download the booklet, complete the exercises and mail in the booklet to the park headquarters (see Resources below).
6. Receive the booklet, a badge and certificate of completion by return mail from the Junior Web Ranger.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the National Park Services website for a list of national parks that participate in the Junior Ranger program. Review the list of parks that participate in the program.