Junior Ranger Programs are a wonderful way for young kids to learn about the natural environment and how to care for it. Most state parks have Junior Ranger Programs, and they typically include activities that involve hiking, exploring, and learning about the local flora and fauna. They also often include a fun badge or certificate that kids can take home as a reminder of their time at the park. We've got some great information on the Junior Ranger Program offered by The Louisiana Office of State Parks.
The Louisiana Office of State Parks Junior Ranger program is for children aged 7 and older who are interested in learning more about the outdoors and activities available at Louisiana's State Parks and Historic Sites.
Interested participants will be issued a Junior Ranger punch card (also available online, see below), upon request, during their initial visit to any State Park, State Historic Site, or the State Arboretum. The card will be punched at each subsequent visit by the Junior Ranger candidate when he/she attends a State Parks-sponsored nature program or history program. After three programs are attended, the cardholder receives a Junior Ranger Handbook. The candidate then completes the assigned activities in the handbook.
Upon completion of the activities, the candidate must return the handbook to any of the participating Louisiana State Parks, Historic Sites, or the State Arboretum. A personalized Junior Ranger certificate will be awarded to recognize the accomplishment.
Handbook activities include writing stories and drawing scenes about a visit to a State Park facility, presenting a report to the candidate’s class or club group about a visit or series of visits, participating in a community service project, and recruiting two volunteers to help.
Click here for your printable PDF version of the Junior Ranger Handbook. And don't forget your Junior Ranger Punch Card! Start planning your activities and trips to the State Park sites participating in the Junior Ranger program.
