Become A Junior Ranger

NPS Photo/Bill Bjornstad

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

Like many other national parks, Joshua Tree offers young visitors the opportunity to join the National Park Service "team" as Junior Rangers. Interested youth complete a series of activities during a park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge. Junior Rangers are typically between the ages of 5 to 13, but people of all ages are welcome to participate.

Kids visiting Joshua Tree National Park may earn a Junior Ranger badge by completing a number of activities as they explore the park. The Junior Ranger booklet is available at park entrance stations and visitor centers. Booklet activities include drawing, writing, observing wildlife and attending a ranger program. Among the national Junior Ranger programs, Joshua Tree also participates in the Junior Ranger Night Explorer program. If you're unable to visit Joshua Tree, kids can also complete Junior Ranger activities virtually.

Unfortunately, we cannot mail out booklets or badges. The Junior Ranger booklet is designed to be completed while at Joshua Tree National Park.