The Yellowstone National Park Junior Ranger Program is a captivating and educational initiative designed to engage children in the natural wonders of this iconic American landscape. As one of the most popular national parks in the United States, Yellowstone offers a wealth of opportunities for young explorers to discover the park’s diverse ecosystems, rich history, and the importance of conservation.
What is the Yellowstone Junior Ranger Program?
The Yellowstone Junior Ranger Program is a self-guided program that invites children aged 4 and above to embark on a journey of discovery within the park. The program’s primary objective is to introduce children to the natural marvels of Yellowstone and instill in them a sense of responsibility for preserving these treasures for future generations.
Activities and Requirements
The Yellowstone Junior Ranger program provides participants with a full-color activity booklet, available at all visitor centers within the park. These booklets contain a variety of engaging activities that encourage children to explore the park’s resources, understand its unique features, and learn about the importance of environmental stewardship.
To become a Yellowstone Junior Ranger, children must complete a set of requirements, which typically include:
- Attending a Ranger-led program or presentation
- Hiking on a park trail
- Completing tasks related to the park’s geothermal geology, wildlife, fire ecology, and other key concepts
For children visiting Yellowstone during the winter months, the program offers special winter-themed activities that require the use of a thermometer and hand lens, available at the Mammoth and Old Faithful visitor centers.
Badges and Patches
Upon successfully completing the Junior Ranger program, children are awarded an official Yellowstone Junior Ranger badge. These wooden badges feature a geyser, a mountain peak, and a bison, symbolizing the park’s iconic natural wonders.
In addition to the badge, children aged 5-12 can also earn patches that showcase the park’s diverse wildlife. The 8-12 year old age group can earn a patch with a stylized bear track, while the 5-7 year old group can earn a patch with a wolf track. For those who complete the winter-themed activities, a special snowflake patch is available.
Cost and Availability
Participating in the Yellowstone Junior Ranger program requires a small fee of $3 for the 12-page activity booklet, “Yellowstone’s Nature.” This booklet is available at all visitor centers throughout the park, making it accessible to children and families visiting Yellowstone.
Additional Programs
In addition to the core Junior Ranger program, Yellowstone National Park also offers the Young Scientist Program, designed for children aged 5-13 and above. This program includes a series of activities that allow young explorers to earn a badge or keychain, further enhancing their understanding of the park’s scientific wonders.
Contact Information
For more information about the Yellowstone Junior Ranger program or to inquire about other educational opportunities within the park, visitors can contact:
Yellowstone National Park
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190
Phone: (307) 344-7381
Reference:
- https://www.yellowstone.org/junior-ranger-program/
- https://travelwyoming.com/listings/junior-ranger-program/
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/kidsyouth/junior-ranger.htm
- https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/park-itineraries/kids-programs-activities/
- https://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/ranger-programs.htm