Junior Cave Scientist Program

We are looking for young speleologists to become junior rangers. In the Junior Cave Scientist activity book, you will explore the fascinating and fragile underground world of caves, learn about the National Park System, and complete fun educational activities. Participants who complete the booklet will earn a badge, a certificate, and the title of Junior Cave Scientist.

EXPLORE magnificent and beautiful caves. You will find an amazing underground world just beneath your feet!

LEARN about caves and karst systems and the work that cave scientists do.

PROTECT our national parks and the things that make caves and karst areas special.

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Download the Junior Cave Scientist Activity Booklet:

NOTE: This is a publication of the National Park Service. It contains copyrighted material, and is being made available exclusively in this format for non-commercial educational purposes. The publication can not be reformatted or sold.

• Low resolution for faster download [PDF 14 MB] 2016
• High resolution for better print quality [PDF 52 MB] 2016 high resolution, 508 accessible

Notice: Following guidance from the CDC and recommendations from state and local public health authorities in consultation with NPS Public Health Service Officers, our staff supporting the Junior Cave Scientist program are now teleworking, and we have temporarily suspended the mailing and processing of books and badges. Telework is a public health strategy to slow the spread of COVID-19 by minimizing person-to-person contact, especially to protect the most vulnerable, including the elderly and people with underlying conditions.

The activity booklet will remain available for download and we encourage independent use of the material for non-commercial educational purposes. Updates to the Junior Cave Scientist program will be posted to this website as conditions change.

The Junior Cave Scientist Program is a part of the National Park Service Junior Ranger Program. The goal of the Junior Ranger Program is to connect young people to their national parks through a variety of in-park activities that are designed to introduce them to the national park system and cultivate future generations of park stewards. Programs range from simple scavenger hunts for younger children, to multi-day ranger-led activities. Over 200 National Park Service areas currently have Junior Ranger programs. Learn more about NPS Junior Ranger programs.