Case for Support
Purpose: Family oriented activities have always been popular in national parks. In that spirit a Junior Ranger Program was created in Rocky Mountain National Park in 1993. Today many national parks offer similar programs aimed at delivering on-site educational experiences for children between the ages of six and twelve. The key to this program is a free, field-style booklet designed to be used in the park. Once the booklet's educational activities are completed, the child returns to visit with a ranger. There they are quizzed about their learning experience, a certificate is signed and a plastic ranger badge is awarded. At visitor centers, a public announcement is made and visitors are asked to join in welcoming the park's newest Junior Ranger. The program builds familiarity with the park, introduces stewardship, and provides a positive experience for young people.
History: Created with a modest grant from the Rocky Mountain Nature Association, the Junior Ranger Program is now a core technique for teaching children, engaging them in park activities, encouraging family togetherness, and connecting children to park resources. For families, the booklet takes time and commitment to complete but smiles of pride on the faces of children are proof that the programs works. Currently the program is growing nationally with First Lady Laura Bush serving as the official spokeswoman. The website www.nps.gov/webrangers encourages children to become a Junior Ranger at home. The primary experience is to complete the activities in the park.
Accomplishments: Annually some 10,000 booklets either in English or Spanish are printed and handed to families. Between 4,000 and 5,000 children complete the activity book and are awarded Junior Ranger badges.
Comments about the program: "The best park of our weekend was the opportunity our children had to become Junior Park Rangers. The booklets inspired an in-depth nature experience for the kids. The finale – Ranger Kirk – going through the book and talking with the kids was magical." Lisa, Colorado
Annual Need: The Rocky Mountain Nature Association provides $9,000 per year for printing the two booklets. Another $1,500 is used to purchase plastic badges. Plans call for expansion of the program, reaching more children, developing new and innovative activities and revamping the booklets. The cost will be $29,000 annually.