The Junior Ranger program is a youth education program offered by the National Park Service and many state park systems in the United States. The program is designed to help children and families explore and learn about the natural and cultural resources protected by national and state parks. Participants typically complete a series of activities, such as taking a park tour, completing a workbook, or attending a ranger-led program, and then receive a Junior Ranger badge or patch as a symbol of their accomplishment. The program is open to children of all ages and is often offered free of charge at park visitor centers.
The activities in the program vary by park and are often tailored to the specific resources and history of the park. They can include hiking, learning about the wildlife, and understanding the history of the park. Many parks have online versions of the program, or have adapted it to be done through virtual means, to allow visitors to participate even if they cannot be physically present. The program aims to educate children and families, increase their stewardship of public lands, and foster a lifelong connection to nature.