Last updated: January 20, 2025
Thing to Do
Fort Necessity Junior Ranger
NPS Photo/Tom Markwardt
If you are visiting Fort Necessity, you can pick up the Junior Ranger booklet at the front desk. Explore the park by watching the movie and visiting the reconstructed fort and complete activities as you go. When you are done show your work to the ranger or volunteer at the visitor center desk to earn your official Junior Ranger badge.
This program is intended to be completed on-site, in person. There are activities in the book that only make sense if you've gone through our museum and experienced the fort in person. While we are excited to have you complete them and earn the badge, we will not be sending workbooks or badges out through the mail.
Details
Duration
60-120 Minutes
Junior Ranger Recruits work at their own pace. The program requires viewing the movie (20 minutes) and visiting the reconstructed fort (300 yard walk from the visitor center.)
Activity
Junior Ranger Program
Complete activities from the Junior Ranger Activity Book earn the rank of Recruit, Captain or Colonel. As a Junior Ranger in training at Fort Necessity National Battlefield it is important to keep alert while on your adventure through the park. Answers to the field exercises in the Junior Ranger Activity Book can be found by reading exhibits, going on ranger tours and by using your observation skills while exploring the park with your family.
How to become a Junior Ranger
How to become a Junior Ranger
- Complete the right number of field exercises for your rank.
Recruit: Complete as least 4 field exercises. If you are in fair health and have two teeth, one on top and one on the bottom, you are welcome to join. (Recommended for those ages 6 and under)
Captain: Completing at least 6 field exercises. (Recommended for those ages 7-10)
Colonel: Completing at least 9 field exercises. (Recommended for those ages 11 and up) - Watch the film “Road of Necessity” in the Visitor Center.
- Visit the Great Meadows and the reconstructed fort.
- Present your Junior Ranger Manual of Arms to a ranger after you finish steps 1, 2, and 3. Take your Junior Ranger Activity Book to the Visitor Center and you will be rewarded for your hard work with a Junior Ranger Badge. Only Junior Rangers who complete the Junior Ranger Activity Book are allowed to purchase a Fort Necessity Junior Ranger patch. Ask lots of questions and have fun!
Age(s)
6-12
The Junior Ranger Activity Book is designed with children ages 6-12 in mind. Children of all ages have found that the program helps guide their explorations of Fort Necessity National Battlefield
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
Pets are not allowed in the park buildings to watch the movie or explore the exhibits. Pets may accompany the Junior Ranger recruits on their outdoor explorations of Fort Necessity, provided they are on a leash. (The pets need to be on a leash, not the Junior Ranger.)
Activity Fee
No
The Junior Ranger Activity book and the Junior Ranger Badge are provided and no charge. Junior Rangers who have completed the program have the option of purchasing a Fort Necessity Junior Ranger embroidered patch.
Location
Pick up your Junior Ranger Book at the visitor center desk.
Pick up your Junior Ranger Book at the visitor center desk.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day
Activities in the Junior Ranger Book can be completed at any time. Viewing the park film and submitting your book must be done when the visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Accessibility Information
The places Junior Rangers are required to visit are accessible via paved path.