Be a Junior Ranger

The Junior Ranger program is a great way to learn about a park, and walk away with a memory you can cherish forever. Junior Ranger badges are available at all National Park sites, but there's a catch. You've got to earn it! Click on the image to learn more.

NPS Image

What's a Junior Ranger?

"Explore, Learn, and Protect!"

The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country; each taking an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family.

Many national parks offer young visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service "family" as Junior Rangers. Interested youth complete a series of activities, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge and Junior Ranger certificate.

Junior Ranger programs are typically designed ages of 5 to 13, but anyone can participate. We like to see people of all ages getting involved in their parks, so don't be shy! Ask us about the Junior Ranger program during your next visit.

 

The Junior Ranger program is a great way to make a memory at every National Park Service site in the country.

NPS/J. Benbassat

Become a Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Junior Ranger!

One of the best ways to explore your national parks is through the Junior Ranger program! Learn about the natural, cultural, and historical resources at each site through activities, writing prompts, and more! These activity books can be completed before, during, or after your visit to earn your Junior Ranger badge.

The Junior Ranger program, while geared towards younger age groups, has no age restrictions! Adults and children alike can learn about public lands through these activities.

Visit the park's visitor center during open hours to pick up your copy of the Kids Guide to the Gap, or email us for a digital copy!

Please note: Physical Junior Ranger badges can only be received in person by a park ranger. Virtual program participants will receive a digital Junior Ranger badge.

 

Becoming a Junior Ranger is for all ages, though most programs are designed for children between the ages of 5 and 13.

NPS Photo. A. Grismer

More Junior Ranger Activities

Find your park online with interactive and printable activities. View special places within parks from your living room. Watch wildlife, geyers, and other activity in real time. Discover your favorite subjects or search for your favorite places. Here's a link to the National Park Service's Kids in Parks page. There are all kinds of online activities for people to enjoy that foster connections with their national parks!

Visit National Junior Ranger Booklets (U.S. National Park Service) for the servicewide Junior Ranger books, which have in-person and online activities available.