Alabama State Parks Kicks Off Junior Park Ranger Program

By DAVID RAINER, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Alabama State Parks has developed a new program that encourages youngsters to join in the fun the State Parks System provides by becoming Junior Park Rangers.

The program is open to children of all ages, with activities designed especially for ages 5-12. Participation is free. Families, school groups and youth organizations are all welcome to join. If the youngsters have no prior outdoor experience, the Junior Park Ranger Program is a great place to start. For kids who are accustomed to the outdoors, the program will expand their knowledge and appreciation of Alabama’s natural wonders.

“Launching Alabama’s first statewide Junior Park Ranger Program is a moment of deep pride and gratitude for our entire Parks team,” said Renee Raney, Alabama State Parks’ Chief Naturalist. “This program opens the door for children and families to explore all 21 State Parks as outdoor classrooms, building curiosity, stewardship and lasting memories together. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in how we connect young people to Alabama’s natural heritage.”

To get started, go to www.alapark.com/JuniorParkRanger to download the “Junior Park Ranger Adventure Guide,” which is also available at any State Park. After completing the activities in the guide, participants share what they’ve learned with a Park Ranger at their nearest State Park. Once that is done, the kids receive a Certificate of Achievement and a Junior Park Ranger badge.

“The Junior Park Ranger Program is designed to connect today’s youngsters with the outdoors in a way that will keep them engaged with activities that include exploring Alabama’s great State Parks,” said State Parks Director Matthew Capps. “This not only engages the kids, but family and friends will also see the enthusiasm these youngsters have for the program, which will encourage everyone to take advantage of these great resources at our State Parks.”

The mantra for the program is “Learning happens on the trail!” The program encourages the youngsters and families to swim, bike, paddle, fish or hike the more than 500 miles of trails in our State Parks, exposing the families to Alabama’s great diversity of landscapes and animals like white-tailed deer, rabbits and squirrels. The program’s Passport Challenge encourages participants to visit all 21 parks.

Once a Junior Park Ranger, the youngsters are charged with a list of responsibilities that include showing respect for wildlife by observing from a distance and never feeding wild animals; leaving no trace by disposing of waste and not disturbing the natural features in the park; and staying safe by using established trails and durable surfaces for camping sites.

Raney said the reaction from children, parents and families has exceeded expectations.

“Children light up when they hold their activity guide, engage in the program and earn their badge,” Raney said. “We see pride glowing from their smiles from the moment they pledge to care for wildlife and leave no trace. Parents and grandparents often tell us they’re pleased by how engaged their children are and how meaningful the experience feels for the whole family.

“What’s especially heartwarming is the intergenerational aspect. Park guests, families, and park staff are smiling during the Junior Park Ranger ceremony. Parents and children are planning their next adventure in another State Park. It’s an inclusive experience that sparks curiosity, connection, inspiration and stewardship all at once.”

The Junior Park Ranger Program enhances learning that is not available is your standard classroom setting. She said teachers, homeschool families and youth organizations can also participate by using the booklet in the classroom or by scheduling guided Junior Park Ranger field trips led by our Park Naturalists. The real-world activities align naturally with science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math, which make them a meaningful extension of classroom learning.

“Our State Parks truly serve as outdoor classrooms, and what makes the Junior Park Ranger experience even more meaningful is that families learn together,” Raney said. “Parents, grandparents and caregivers aren’t just watching from the sidelines. They’re exploring, asking questions and experiencing discovery alongside their children. Our Junior Park Ranger Program is special because it provides an opportunity for science, technology, reading, engineering, art and math (STEM/STREAM) to come to life in our State Parks. A lesson about ecosystems becomes a hike through a forest. A unit on geology becomes a hands-on exploration of caverns. Data collection turns into wildlife observation, journaling, and discovery. 

“The program is immersive, statewide, inclusive, free and available at all 21 Alabama State Parks, inviting families to deepen learning while building memories. Through adventure, curiosity and shared experiences, children discover that learning doesn’t stop when school ends. It simply expands into the natural world.”

Raney explains how families, educators and community groups can get involved and what they should expect when they participate.

“Getting involved is intentionally easy,” she said. “Families can download the free Junior Ranger activity booklet online or pick one up at any Alabama State Park. Children complete age-appropriate activities during their visit, share what they’ve learned with a Park Ranger or Park Naturalist, and earn an official Junior Park Ranger badge and Certificate of Achievement. No special equipment or prior outdoor experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to explore.”

Again, Raney points out the program is designed for families and youngsters to make memories that will last a lifetime.

“Many discover that one visit sparks a desire to return, to try the Junior Park Ranger Passport Challenge, or even to plan an overnight stay,” she said. “Our hope is that every participant leaves feeling more connected, not only to nature and conservation but to each other and to Alabama’s remarkable State Parks.”

Raney said it took incredible teamwork by State Parks staff, employees and volunteers to make the Junior Park Ranger Program possible.

“We are deeply thankful for the support of our leadership team, park managers, and dedicated statewide staff who believe in the power of education and outdoor experiences,” she said. “We’re also grateful to the Alabama State Parks Foundation and the Bronco Wild Fund Grant through America’s State Parks for investing in our children and our parks.”

Raney said the goal of the program is to become a gateway to more youth pursuing outdoor recreation activities and conservation careers as well as stronger family connections, healthier lifestyles and a deeper appreciation of Alabama’s natural heritage.

“If a single visit inspires a child to explore science, engineering, art or ecology, or encourages a family to turn a day trip into an overnight stay or a camping experience or leads them to explore other State Parks in Alabama and beyond, then we know we’re building something that will last,” she said. “Junior Park Rangers today become stewards tomorrow, and that’s an investment worth celebrating.”

Visit www.alapark.com to discover the many opportunities to explore the beautiful Alabama State Parks.

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