If you’re a young adventurer who loves the great outdoors, becoming a National Park Junior Ranger is a great way to explore and learn about our national parks. Follow these steps to earn your badge and become a part of the National Park Service community.
Choose a National Park to Visit
The first step to becoming a National Park Junior Ranger is to choose a national park to visit. With over 400 national parks in the United States, there are plenty of options to choose from, and most of them offer the program. Consider what type of environment you want to explore, whether it be mountains, forests, deserts, or oceans. You can also research the different activities and programs offered at each park to help make your decision. Once you’ve chosen a park, it’s time to plan your visit!
Pick Up a Junior Ranger Booklet
After arriving at your chosen national park, head to the visitor center and ask for a Junior Ranger booklet. These booklets are designed to guide you through the park and teach you about its unique features and history. They also contain activities and challenges that you must complete in order to earn your Junior Ranger badge. The activities may include things like hiking a certain trail, attending a ranger-led program, or completing a scavenger hunt. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and take your time completing each activity. Once you’ve finished, return the booklet to the visitor center and a ranger will review your work and award you with your Junior Ranger badge. Congratulations, you’re now an official National Park Junior Ranger!
Complete the Activities in the Booklet
The Junior Ranger booklet is the key to earning your badge and exploring the wonders of our national parks. The booklet contains a variety of activities and challenges that are designed to teach you about the park’s unique features and history. Some of the activities may include hiking a certain trail, attending a ranger-led program, or completing a scavenger hunt. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and take your time completing each activity. Once you’ve finished, return the booklet to the visitor center and a ranger will review your work and award you with your Junior Ranger badge.
Attend a Ranger-Led Program
Attending a ranger-led program is a great way to learn more about the park and complete one of the activities in your Junior Ranger booklet. These programs are led by park rangers and cover a variety of topics, such as wildlife, history, and geology. Check the park’s schedule of events to find a program that interests you and fits into your schedule. Be sure to arrive early and bring your Junior Ranger booklet with you so you can get credit for attending the program.
Take the Junior Ranger Pledge and Receive Your Badge
After completing all the activities in your Junior Ranger booklet and attending a ranger-led program, it’s time to take the Junior Ranger Pledge and receive your badge! Find a ranger at the park’s visitor center or ranger station and show them your completed booklet. They will review your work and ask you to recite the Junior Ranger Pledge. Once you recite the pledge, you will receive your official Junior Ranger badge and certificate. Congratulations, you are now a National Park Junior Ranger!
