Junior Ranger and Web Ranger Programs
Snapshot Solution
Junior Ranger Program
Sheila Edwards
The activity based Junior Ranger program is hosted in almost all American national parks. Many parks offer young visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service "family" as Junior Rangers.
Youth complete a series of activities at a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official badge and certificate. Junior Rangers are typically 5 to 13 years old, but all ages are welcomed!
The WebRanger program lets the user become a Junior Ranger from anywhere. Users will have the opportunity to set up their ranger station online and participate in over 70 activities.
Impacts
In 2016, more than 800,000 children were sworn in as Junior Rangers. In addition, the "Songs for Junior Rangers" CD has been awarded the Gold Seal from the Parent's Choice Foundation in Spring 2013. This set includes a 20-page illustrated booklet of lyrics and photos, and a poster map.
The Junior Ranger program is now recognized every year on National Junior Ranger Day during National Park Week. This past year, National Junior Ranger Day was celebrated on April 15, 2017.
With such success, similar programs have been adopted by agencies and state departments such as the U.S. Forest Service Junior Ranger program, Amtrak Junior Conductor, and the Maryland State Junior Ranger Program.
