>> Download the Junior Ranger Book (PDF)
Contributed by Sean Higgins
The Friends of State Parks continue to foster the next generation of park enthusiasts by sponsoring the Junior Ranger Program. In February 2009, 1,200 brand new junior ranger books were sent to South Mountains State Park, Carolina Beach State Park and Pettigrew State Park. New Junior Ranger patches were also sent to New River State Park and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. “We’ve had a number of requests already this year”, says park ranger Steve McMurray with Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Steve and staff at Jordan Lake are eager to reward their hard working junior rangers with a bald eagle patch.
Currently there are eight Junior Ranger programs in the NC state park system, all funded by the Friends of State Parks. The program continues to expand in 2009, with Pilot Mountain, Fort Macon and Lake Waccamaw printing new books and patches. Plans are also underway for Junior Ranger summer camps and a newsletter. In addition to funding the program, past and present FSP members have provided the needed enthusiasm, dedication and persistence to make it a success.
About the Program
- The Junior Ranger program was designed to engage young children in experiential learning at our parks.
- Junior Rangers complete an activity book, attend park ranger programs and complete a stewardship project.
- Stewardship projects range from doing a beach cleanup to identifying potential safety hazards along a hiking trail.
- Once these tasks are complete, they recite the Junior Ranger Pledge with a park ranger to earn the park’s unique patch.
The Junior Ranger Pledge
“I, promise to do what I can to protect the air, water and land of North Carolina. I will not litter and will do what I can to keep the park clean. I will not harm or remove any plants or animals in the park. Instead, I will try to learn about them. I will encourage my family and friends to help protect the park and all our natural resources.”
>> Download the Junior Ranger Book (PDF)
