Everyone knows that the Park Rangers of the National Park system run the parks and educate the visitors. But did you know that the Junior Ranger program for the National Parks is the shining gem of the National Park system? So much so that I believe everyone, no matter their age, should become Junior Rangers in a National Park. The National Park Service website describes the job of a Junior Ranger to “Explore, Learn, and Protect!” . A fitting motto for anyone committed to the mission of the National Park Service, which reads : The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

When you become a Junior Ranger, you are required to take a pledge, a commitment, to the park system. The Junior Ranger pledge reads:

“I (insert name here) am proud to be a National Park Service Junior Ranger. I promise to appreciate, respect, and protect all national park areas. I also promise to continue learning about the landscape, plants, animals and history of these special places. I will share what I learn with my friends and family.”

I originally learned about the Junior Ranger program after my friend Jordan took me to Mammoth Cave National Park. Although, I must admit that I was a bit hesitant at first. Originally the activity itself seemed childish and the books are designed for those 13 years old and younger, but that doesn’t diminish the richness of the program for all persons. However, after much time and energy visiting other parks and acquiring my third Junior Ranger badge at Mount Rainier late last year, I’ve begun to see the Junior Ranger program as essential to the mission of the National Park Service.