Grand Teton NP Rangers Engage Children in Fun Activities

Grand Teton National Park recently hosted some fun-filled educational events for local children. Two different programs provided hands-on learning experiences and generated smiles and excitement, as well as an appreciation of science, history, and our national parks. One program involved 4^th graders on a school field trip; the other program included familes with toddlers to school-aged children who participated in the 3^rd annual National Junior Ranger Day.

Approximately 100 students from Osmond Elementary School near Afton, Wyoming visited Grand Teton on February 23 and 24. The 4^th grade class explored the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center (CTDVC) exhibits and the Menors Ferry area to participate in ranger-led activities tied to their school’s curriculum. Ranger naturalists covered a variety of subjects, including science and history; topics ranged from animal characteristics and adaptations to how the mountain men and settlers who came to this region survived and contributed to the history of Jackson Hole. An exciting snowshoe race capped off the field trip.

On April 25, approximately 100 children and their families celebrated National Junior Ranger Day at Grand Teton and discovered first-hand the official motto: “Explore, learn, protect: Be a Junior Ranger.” Children, aged 2-12 years, engaged in a variety of activities and learning experiences. They learned about wildlife, mountain climbing and how  rangers protect park resources and visitors. The activities were designed to inspire children and encourage them to become partners in helping to preserve not only Grand Teton, but also national parks throughout the United States. At the conclusion of the activities, children earned their Junior Ranger badge and were officially sworn in as Junior Rangers.

On Junior Ranger Day, children had the chance to talk with rangers and explore a park ambulance, fire engine, patrol car, plow truck, and other equipment that rangers typically use to protect the park and its many visitors. While inside the CTDVC, kids viewed and touched furs; had the opportunity to don an authentic park ranger uniform; tested their skills against the abilities of certain wildlife species in an “Animal Olympics”; participated in a scavenger hunt to explore the center’s state-of-the-art exhibits; and learned about climbing in the Teton Range. One wide-eyed child declared, “In the animal olympics, I found out I was part owl because I stared without blinking for 2 minutes 4 seconds.  I could have gone longer if I didn't get an itch in my eye.”

Educational, interactive programs such as these connect our Nation’s newest generation to national parks. Hopefully, these youngsters will share their enthusiasm and pass along the message that it’s fun to visit a national park and important to protect these special places.