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Gateway National Recreation Area Peeking through a birding shed at Return-a-Gift Pond, Floyd Bennett Field.
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Gateway National Recreation Area
Be A Junior Ranger

Programs:

Snowflakes Drop in
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Monday, February 20
11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Drop in for a short activity about snowflakes. Take a close look at snowflakes exploring both the science and art of the snowflake. Make a paper snowflake to bring home. 

Junior Ranger Explorers
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Tuesday, February 21
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
During the break from school, kids ages 7 - 12 can join a park ranger to have fun discovering the wonders of Jamaica Bay, and earn their junior ranger badge!

Bird Beaks
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Wednesday, February 22
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Adaptations of birds play a large role in their behavior and natural history. Learn more about birds and how to use binoculars for bird watching.

Follow That Track
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Thursday, February 23
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Animals are around us even if they cannot be seen. Learn about animal tracks and evidence of animals from knowledgeable rangers. Please dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes.


 

 
Park Ranger Geri Kobryn-Blatter points out geese, brant and other birds at Junior Rangerpalooza, held at Great Kills Park, Staten Island Unit.

NPS PHOTO

Park Ranger Geri Kobryn-Blatter points out geese, brant and other birds at Junior Rangerpalooza, held at Great Kills Park, Staten Island Unit.

Watch our podcast on Junior Rangerpalooza 2011!

On Saturday, April 16, young people braved the bad weather to come to Great Kills Park, Staten Island Unit, and become junior rangers. Watch this podcast and see what new Junior Rangers think about nature, national parks and being junior rangers.

 

 
Park Guide Shalini Gopie awards a Junior Ranger badge during Junior Rangerpalooza at Great Kills Park.

NPS PHOTO

Park Guide Shalini Gopie awards a Junior Ranger badge during Junior Rangerpalooza at Great Kills Park, Staten Island Unit.

Not One, But Three Junior Ranger Programs at Gateway!

Each of the three units within Gateway---Jamaica Bay, Sandy Hook and Staten Island---has its own Junior Ranger program. Visit each unit of Gateway and triple your fun!

Staten Island Junior Ranger Program

Children ages 7- 12: pick up a free "National Park Adventure for Junior Rangers" booklet at the Great Kills Park or Miller Field Ranger Stations or at the Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center. It contains both self-guided and ranger-led activities, which must be completed at all three Staten Island Unit sites. Receive a Junior Ranger badge and patch for completing the program. Call 718-354-4500.

                           

 
New! Jamaica Bay Junior Ranger Program!

National Park Service

The new Jamaica Bay Junior Ranger Program is now available at the Floyd Bennett Field Ranger Station, and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

Jamaica Bay Junior Ranger Program

This self-guided Junior Ranger program is now available year-round for children ages 7-12. Pick up a booklet at the Floyd Bennett Field Ranger Station and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The booklet contains self-guided activities at Floyd Bennett Field, Fort Tilden, Jacob Riis Park, and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. After completing one section, children will receive the Junior Ranger Badge, and a certificate for that site. Then, they will receive a certificate for completing the next two sites. Finally, upon completion of all four sections of the booklet, children receive the Jamaica Bay Junior Ranger Patch! For more information call 718-338-3799 or 718-318-4340.

Download Jamaica Bay Junior Ranger Program

 
Sandy Hook Junior Ranger Firefighter

NPS Photo

Junior Rangers learn how to use a 19th century hose cart to put out a fire.

Sandy Hook Junior Ranger Program

This self-guided Junior Ranger program is available year-round for children ages 7-14.

Pick up a booklet at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center. Upon completion of the booklet, children receive a Junior Ranger badge.

Topics include Junior Ranger Crab Scientist, Junior Ranger Firefighter, Junior Ranger Artillery Corps, Junior Ranger Naturalist, Junior Ranger Air Defender, and Junior Ranger Pirate. For information call (732) 872-5970.

New! Summer and Fall Junior Ranger Programs at Sandy Hook, New Jersey

A program for ages 7-14 is offered several times during the summer and fall.  Children learn the importance of protecting our National Parks and how park staff work together to protect both visitors and park resources.  

For children ages 2-4, Junior Junior Ranger Programs are offered weekly in the summer. Each week a different topic is explored through a craft and a short trip.

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The NC 4 in flight.

Did You Know?
The first transatlantic flight departed from the Rockaway Naval Air Station on Jamaica Bay in 1919. Today, it is the site of Gateway NRA's Jacob Riis Park.
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Last Updated: January 27, 2012 at 13:31 MST