There are two ways to become a Junior Ranger in Badlands National Park. The first way is to attend an official Junior Ranger Program during the summer season (June through August). The activities and subjects for these daily summer programs vary according to the ranger giving the program. Each attendee receives an official Badlands National Park Junior Ranger Badge at the end of the program. Please stop by the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, or look in the park newspaper for program times and location. All ranger led programs are geared towards visitors of all ages and are free to the public.

During the entire year, Junior Ranger booklets are available at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and usually take 1-2 hours to complete. Potential Junior Rangers are required to complete the booklet and either attend one of the many Ranger Programs offered daily in the summer, or view the 20-minute park movie, Land of Stone and Light. Completed booklets can be returned to the contact station and a ranger will check over the work and issue a badge. Another option is to complete the required activities and send the completed booklet back to the park and a ranger will go over the work and mail back the booklet with a badge.

Other Options for Kids