Kids & Youth

 

Junior Ranger Progam

Our young visitors can become an official Junior Ranger at Canyon de Chelly National Monument! We invite you and your family to visit Canyon de Chelly and other neighboring parks around the Navajo Nation to learn more about the cultural and natural resources and the importance of preserving them.

 

School Groups

Services available virtually

Your school can still learn about the park through virtual sessions with a Park Ranger. Please email our park Ranger to work out details and schedule a time for some virtual learning.

Services available in person

Is your school coming to the park? Park staff can provide orientation (15-30 minutes), conduct a talk (30-60 minutes), or lead a canyon hike (2-3 hours). Park staff can also come to your school to set up an information booth or provide a talk about park history, geology or other topics.

Please submit an official written request at least two weeks in advance by email to our Park Ranger and include teacher's name, contact information, grade of students, number of students and chaperones, date of visit and duration of visit. The park will do its best to schedule a Park Ranger to provide the services for FREE. Last minute request may not be honored.

 

Youth in Parks

Some great ways to learn more about the National Parks is to become a Volunteer, become an Intern or join a Conservation Crew! These options give youth an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in the park.

Volunteers

Volunteers can help visitors at the Visitor Center, provide talks for visitors or help lead a hike. Volunteers can also provide general labor for our Maintenance team. Most volunteers in the park are not paid, but instead gain real work experience that can included on a resume.

Internships

If you live locally, check with the Chapter House, Office of Dine' Youth or Navajo Nation Workforce Development that offer programs to place youth and adults to work at the park. Duration of the programs vary under these agencies, from 2 weeks to several months. The agency provides payment to interns directly with the park providing a worksite.

Conservation Crews

Members of conservation crews help with park projects that may involve camping and working out in the field. Conservation Crews hire youth to help preserve and protect the parks.

Check out these organization for more information: Ancestral Lands Program, Canyon Country Youth Corps, and Student Conservation Association.