Become a Manzanar Junior Ranger

Manzanar Junior Ranger Booklet and Badge

NPS

Manzanar's Junior Ranger program offers a great opportunity for children to interact with National Park Rangers, experience exhibits, watch the 22-minute film and explore the site. Participants in the program will complete an activity booklet consisting of a dozen activities including a scavenger hunt, word puzzle, word search, mapping and writing activities. These activities highlight Manzanar and Owens Valley history and introduce the peoples who lived at Manzanar.

While many children struggle with the concept of incarceration, the Junior Ranger program offers one way for them to connect with the place and its stories. Children who complete the program will earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. Activities are tailored for children between the ages of 4 to 15; however, anyone is welcome to participate.

Many National Park Sites have their own Junior Ranger Programs, collect a badge at each one!

Details

Duration

1-2 Hours

The length of time needed to become a Manzanar Junior Ranger varies greatly based on age and other factors. With focused effort, the on-site experience usually take 1-2 hours as it requires watching the 22 minute film, reveiwing exhibits, and driving the tour route. The at home experience also requires the film (available on the Manzanar YouTube Channel), but also relies on website searches.

Activity

Junior Ranger Program

Manzanar's Junior Ranger program offers a great opportunity for children to interact with National Park Rangers, experience exhibits, watch the 22-minute film and explore the site. Participants in the program will complete an activity booklet consisting of a dozen activities including a scavenger hunt, word puzzle, word search, mapping and writing activities. These activities highlight Manzanar and Owens Valley history and introduce the peoples who lived at Manzanar.

While many children struggle with the concept of internment, the Junior Ranger program offers one way for them to connect with the story. Children who complete the program will earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. Activities are tailored for children between the ages of 4 to 15; however, anyone is welcome to participate.

Many National Park Sites have their own Junior Ranger Programs, collect a badge at each one!

Age(s)

4-99

Activities are tailored for children between the ages of 4 to 15; however, anyone is welcome to participate.

Pets Allowed

No

(a)(1) The following structures and/or areas are closed to the possession of pets:

• The visitor center and the fenced cemetery area.

(a)(3) Pets may be left unattended and tied to an object in the following areas, under the conditions noted:

• In the area directly to the north of the entrance door, by the bench.
• Pets may not be tied to the stair railing.
• Pets left unattended that are determined to be a nuisance or left in an unsafe manner will be reported to the local animal control officials.

(a)(5) Pet excrement must be disposed of in accordance with the following conditions:

• Immediately scooped up with plastic bags or paper and disposed of in a trash can.

Activity Fee

No

The booklet, badge, and access to the site are all free.

Location

Manzanar Visitor Center

Junior Ranger booklets can be picked up at the front desk of our visitor center. You can also email us with your address and we can mail you a copy.

Reservations

No

No reservations are required.

Season

Year Round

The Manzanar Junior Ranger Program is a year-round activity.

Time of Day

Day

The site is open dawn to dusk, but if you are working on the program from home, it can be compelted anytime of day.

Accessibility Information

If completing the Mananar Junior Ranger Program at the site, the park film is captioned and scripts are available upon request. Special listening devices are also available. Some site exhibits are audio described. If completing the program at home, the park film on the YouTube Channel is captioned. Rangers are available to mail booklets.