"Explore, Learn, and Protect"“There is a delight in the hardy life of the open. There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy and its charm. The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased and not impaired in value. Conservation means development as much as it does protection.” Our National Parks are some of our most treasured areas, and one of my big goals for my daughter this year is for her to learn more about the diversity of our history and landscape in a preschooler-friendly way. One of the best ways I have found to do this is by taking part in some of the Junior Ranger Programs offered in many of our National Parks (not an affiliate link). Kids who successfully complete a National Park's Junior Ranger Program will earn a special badge and a certificate; these badges are not available without completing the program, making them something special for kids to collect. Because of our schedule this year, it's not likely that we will be able to swing a big trip to the most famous National Parks, but there are programs in every state, including many online versions. The National Parks that only offer in-person Junior Ranger Programs still include the pamphlets online so you can print them at home. The Nitty-GrittyGiven how many National Parks we have, it may feel a bit overwhelming to think about completing all of them, or even choosing your first one. I've included the nitty-gritty about the various programs available below as well as a more specific example using Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah (one of my personal favorite parks). Everyone is invited to participate in the Junior Ranger Program (yep, adults too!), but they are typically designed for kids who are 5-13 years old. My daughter is on the younger side of this age range, but she has still enjoyed learning about the parks, especially seeing the photos and learning about the animals. If the Junior Ranger program guide is completed in person, a park ranger will sign it and "induct" the kid into the park as a Junior Ranger. Then it's time for the special badge and certificate. Super exciting! Online and National ProgramsAlthough seeing the parks in person is ideal, there is still so much value in using the Junior Ranger program guides as a way to learn about our shared history and the wild, special places we hold in common. That's why there are national programs that can be completed at home as well as online versions for many National Parks. Here is a list of the national programs (non-affiliate link that also includes other National Parks participating in Junior Ranger programs). Some of the topics include: fishing, archeology, bats, caves, wilderness areas, night skies, fossils, historic preservation, slavery and the abolitionist movement, and others. Like the specific park programs, there are guides that cover the topic that can be sent in to earn a badge and certificate. Junior Ranger Program: Bryce CanyonAlthough this post is already a bit lengthy, I think that it's helpful to see a more specific example of what kinds of fun activities a particular Junior Ranger program guide includes. I've chosen Bryce Canyon because it is so gorgeous, and it is one of the parks that I am most looking forward to spending time with my daughter once she is a bit older. For the in-person Junior Ranger programs, each park will have different requirements. Bryce Canyon's program guide includes a presentation or guided hike with a park ranger, a completed booklet (different pamphlets for under 6 and over 6 years old), and litter pick-up (glove for picking up at least ten pieces included). Some of the activities in the program guide a circling activity to find dangerous animals and items in the park, a scavenger hunt, and drawing activities. The program at Bryce Canyon will require at least three hours of time to complete, making it a special achievement for younger kids. For every person completing the program, a free Bryce Canyon badge will be offered, and there is a special patch that is available for $1 in the gift shop that can only be purchased by people completing the program. The patch is gorgeous, and I look forward to the day my daughter earns one.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions. I would love to hear about your experiences in the National Parks too. |
Author
I'm Heidi, the lead teacher for Stone Bridge Academy. We are a homeschool serving one fabulous student. This blog occasionally uses affiliate links, which means that we will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only link to products or services that we use and love in my family. These commissions allow me to continue providing helpful content here. Thank you for your support.
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