Keeping our Promise to Zion, Cedar Breaks, and Pipe Spring Junior Rangers

Preserving and protecting Zion National Park is only sustainable through the nurturing and educating of future stewards. The Junior Ranger Program offers children (and adults) an opportunity to connect with the park in a personal and meaningful way. Youth complete an educational Activity Book before being sworn in and awarded a badge by a National Park Ranger. The program is completely free for participants because Zion Forever Project sponsors and funds 100% of the costs with help from generous donors.

In addition to the activity books, the Junior Ranger program also hosts educational ranger-led experiences at the Zion Nature Center. In 2018, more than 25,000 children were impacted by 438 ranger programs held both on the trails and in the Nature Center. They are primed to become the next generation of park stewards as they eagerly recite the Junior Ranger oath: “I am proud to be a Zion Junior Ranger. I promise to help take care of and protect Zion National Park and all national parks. I also promise to continue to explore, learn about, and respect the natural world wherever I go.”

While the Junior Ranger program is a seminal project in Zion, as well as Cedar Breaks and Pipe Spring National Monuments, its future is never secure. Last year alone, Junior Rangers completed more than 50,000 activity books, and that number is expected to rise with current trends in park visitation. This gift will help ensure the program is able to meet the growing demand and motivate children to think about our shared natural resources with new and inspired eyes.