Junior Ranger Day - and an Essay Contest with a Serious Prize

Published Date

April 14, 2009

Future Junior Rangers at Mesa Verde National Park. NPS photo.

A number of NPS areas are offering special activities for Junior Ranger Day on April 25, 2009, and a related Junior Ranger Essay Contest offers a serious prize: a $1,000 Visa gift card.

The NPS Junior Ranger program operates in many parks year-round. Interested students complete a series of activities during their park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge or patch and Junior Ranger certificate. The motto of the program is, “explore, learn, protect: be a Junior Ranger.”

More than 225 National Park Service sites will host youth-oriented activities on Saturday, April 25, 2009, for the 3rd annual National Junior Ranger Day. "The Junior Ranger program is the National Park Service signature program for young visitors," said acting National Park Service Director Dan Wenk. "Throughout the year children earn badges and certificates after completing age-appropriate park related activities at their own pace. On Junior Ranger Day many parks will have additional special events and guided programs. Children will also receive commemorative 2009 Junior Ranger Day pins and certificates."

Here's a sampling of Junior Ranger Day events around the country:

• San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (California). Maritime related hands-on activities teach kids the skills needed to be a sailor. Raise a sail, turn a capstan, pump the bilge, tie knots, learn the signal flag alphabet and try out a few maritime crafts. For more information: 415-447-5000

• Biscayne National Park (Florida). Kids who complete requirements for the Junior Ranger Badge can a enjoy a free boat trip. Maximum two adults per junior ranger; siblings welcome. Boat seats are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first served basis to the full-day participants. Reservations recommended: 305-230-1100.

• Minute Man National Historical Park (Massachusetts). Militia Muster and Drill for Junior Rangers from 1:30-1:55 p.m. Join a costumed park ranger, participate in a militia drill and watch a musket firing demonstration. Supplied with wooden muskets, Junior Rangers will be challenged to master battle drill formations from 1775. Recommended for ages 6 and up; limited to 30 participants. For information call 978-318-7825.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Tennessee / North Carolina). Go salamandering and compete in the Animal Olympics. Make traditional items such as blacksmithed dinner bells, corn shuck dolls, historic toys, pottery whistles, beeswax candles and small brooms; 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Oconaluftee Visitor Center. For information call 865-436-1290.

• Cumberland Gap National Historical Park (Kentucky/Tennessee/Virginia). Junior Rangers muster trailside and meet Civil War cavalry as they ride through the Gap. Along the way, be challenged by soldiers from both sides who take hikers to their camps to provide a glimpse of the everyday life of a Civil War soldier; 10 a.m. For more information: (606) 248-2817

The NPS website includes a list of Junior Ranger Day events at parks across the country, and a related on-line program, Web Rangers, is also available for "kids of all ages."

Now, here's the information that I bet caught the eye of at least some grown-ups: The 2009 Junior Ranger Essay Contest.

The National Park Foundation is asking youth across the nation to share ideas on how to protect and preserve America's National Parks. Kids aged 9 to 12, with the help of a parent or guardian, have through May 1 to submit an essay of no more than 500 words on this theme: Why are our national parks important to you and what is your best idea to protect our parks for the future?

The First Prize winner will win a $1,000 Visa gift card and the opportunity to direct a $5,000 contribution from the National Park Foundation to his or her favorite national park. The funds will be used by the park to put into action big ideas like those included in the winning essay. The top three essays will be featured in the Junior Ranger Gazette and on the National Park Foundation website!

You can submit an entry for the essay contest online and view the official rules at this link.

Now, aren't you relieved to know that your kids can complete their essay with the help of a parent or guardian? Maybe your youngster can even find a way to work in that new verb that I'll bet a few of you learned in the above list of activities at Great Smoky Mountains National Park: "salamandering."

Story Categories:

Parks in the News

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

form.antibot { display: none !important; } You must have JavaScript enabled to use this form.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks