Be A Junior Ranger

 
An illustration of a ranger hat surrounded by the words, Junior Ranger, Explore, Learn, Protect.

"Explore, Learn, and Protect!" The Junior Ranger motto is recited by children around the country. Each takes an oath of their own to protect parks, continue to learn about parks, and share their own ranger story with friends and family.

The National Park Service Junior Ranger program is an activity-based program conducted in almost all parks, and some Junior Ranger programs are national. Many national parks offer young visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service "family" as Junior Rangers.

How Do I Earn My Junior Ranger Badge?

There are several ways to earn your Junior Ranger badge at Cuyahoga Valley this summer:

Junior Ranger Handbook and Activity Cards

Interested youth complete a series of activities during a park visit and share their answers with a ranger. Anyone who completes the Junior Ranger Handbook or the Junior Ranger, Jr. Activity Cards will earn a Junior Ranger badge. Junior Rangers are typically between the ages of 5 to 12, although people of all ages can participate. Find more activities and a virtual Junior Ranger badge by scrolling down this page.

When park facilities are open, Junior Ranger Handbooks and activity cards are available at Boston Mill Visitor Center and Canal Exploration Center (Canal Exploration Center is open seasonally; please check our website for specific hours). When complete, take your book or cards to a visitor center to receive a badge from a ranger.

Looking for suggestions for where to go with your Junior Rangers? Start with this list of kid-friendly activities in the Everett area.

Junior Ranger Challenges

Drop in at various locations throughout the park to see a ranger, complete challenges, and earn special stamps. Collect stamps from five themed challenges including: Citizen Science, Pollinators, Rocks, Park, and River to earn a Junior Ranger patch. Junior Ranger Challenges run daily from June 11 through August 12, 10 am – 2 pm, weather permitting. Visit our events calendar for more information on challenges and locations.

Junior Ranger & Junior Ranger, Jr. Programs

Children and their adults can participate in a free Junior Ranger program. Junior Ranger programs are for kids ages 7-12 and Junior Ranger, Jr. programs are for kids ages 4-6. Complete two of these programs and earn a special Junior Ranger badge. Look for these programs during the summer months. Visit our events calendar and search keywords "Junior Ranger" for more information and to register.

 
A group of children stands in a field holding butterfly nets and collection jars.
Junior Ranger Day Camp

Junior Ranger Day Camp is back for summer 2023! Choose one session or join us for both weeks in July! For children ages 6 – 12.

 
 
A junior ranger stands at the desk holding their right hand up and wearing a ranger hat; behind the desk, a ranger checks their work
A Junior Ranger takes the oath

NPS / Sue Simenc

After You Finish

Once you've completed a Junior Ranger activity, download your badge to print or save!

To have a ranger administer the official Junior Ranger oath, call Boston Mill Visitor Center at (440) 717-3890 and leave a message with your name and phone number. A ranger will call back within the next day to swear you in!

We would love to hear from you!

Did you do any of the Junior Ranger activities on our website or design your own patch in The Valley Guide? Share your creations with us – take a photo, create a poem, share a drawing or just send us an email at CUVA_Jr_Ranger@nps.gov.

 

Upcoming Junior Ranger Events

 

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Last updated: May 24, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

15610 Vaughn Road
Brecksville, OH 44141

Phone:

440 717-3890

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