Do you know a child, age six-14, who loves fun and adventure, exploring and discovering nature’s secrets and spending time outdoors?
The Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger Program offers all of these, along with excellent educational opportunities, designed to foster a love of nature and to encourage a healthy lifestyle.
There are two ways to become an official Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger.
Interested kids ages six-14 may attend a Junior Ranger Camp, slated for June and July at various parks throughout the state; or complete a series of activities found in the Junior Ranger Adventure Guide.
The sign-up process is easy. To get started, sign up for a Junior Ranger Camp by contacting the office of participating state parks.
Free Junior Ranger Adventure Guides are available at any state park.
To download a copy of the Adventure Guide or to find upcoming Junior Ranger Camps in your area, visit www.tnstateparks.com/junior_ranger.
The state parks’ Junior Ranger Program is designed with flexibility in mind so that participants can choose their own path and set their own pace.
Junior Rangers, along with their families, can enjoy exploring parks, touring visitor centers, attending park programs, hiking the trails and experiencing all the fun and exciting adventures Tennessee’s great state parks have to offer.
“Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger Program provides unique opportunities for children to learn about the great outdoors in a fun environment,” said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill. “We put a lot of thought and effort into all of our programs and activities, while offering an incredible value to parents looking for quality, summer activities.”
The Junior Ranger Adventure Guide is divided into four steps.
Each step covers different topics and offers a selection of fun, hands-on activities.
Upon completion of each activity, the child gets one step closer to becoming a Junior Ranger.
Topics in the initial two steps include safety, history, plants, wildlife, astronomy and water.
Step three involves the creation of a stewardship project.
In step four, the adventure guide is taken to the park ranger or park office.
Upon completion of the program, participants will take the Junior Ranger pledge, receive a badge and are sworn in as official Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Rangers.
Tennessee's 54 state parks offer diverse natural, recreational and cultural experiences for individuals, families, or business and professional groups.
State park features range from pristine natural areas to 18-hole championship golf courses.
Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this past year, the Tennessee State Parks system was established through legislation in 1937.
Today, there is a state park within an hour's drive of just about anywhere in the state, offering a variety of recreational, lodging and dining choices.
For more information about Tennessee State Parks, please visit www.tnstateparks.com or connect via Facebook or Twitter. For a free brochure about Tennessee State Parks, call 1-888-867-2757.