While most junior ranger programs are designed for children between the ages of 5 to 13, people of all ages are welcome to participate. This is the official stance of the National Park Service, and if you ever need to reference it, you can find it here: https://www.nps.gov/kids/become-a-junior-ranger.htm.
Every park’s junior ranger program is unique. The requirements to earn the junior ranger badge will either be printed in the junior ranger booklet or explained orally by the Ranger or Volunteer who gives you the booklet, or both.
At some parks, there is one version of the junior ranger booklet for all ages, and the number of activities you need to complete depends on your age. For adult participants, they will either complete the required number of activities for the oldest age range, usually 12 and up, or sometimes they will be required to complete all the activities in the booklet. At other parks, there are multiple versions of the junior ranger booklet, each tailored to specific age ranges. In this case, an adult participant will receive the booklet for the oldest age range. Some parks even refer to this booklet as a Senior Ranger Program booklet.
The badges or patches earned also vary by park. At some parks, all participants, regardless of age, will receive the same junior ranger badge or patch upon completion of the program. At other parks, the badge or patch earned will differ depending on the age group. Sometimes the badge or patch might even include the words “Senior Ranger” on it.
There’s so much to learn from our national parks that can benefit each of us at any age. So we encourage you to set out on your own Ranger Trek adventure and start earning junior ranger badges and patches today!
