If you are going to be in Yellowstone for a few days and have children between the ages of 5 and 12 you should consider enrolling them in the Junior Ranger Program. It gives the kids something to do and gets them involved in exploring Yellowstone.

The goal of the Junior Ranger Program is to introduce children to the natural wonders of Yellowstone and their role in preserving them for the future. To become a Junior Ranger, kids pay $2.00 for the activity newspaper, Yellowstone's Nature, available in any visitor center. After completing the requirements described in the newspaper, kids are awarded an official Junior Ranger patch. (You should see the kids eyes light up when they finish and are presented the patch.) The requirements, which are tailored to the child's age and ability, include:

• Attending a ranger-led program
• Hiking on a park trail
• Answering questions about Yellowstone Park

Yellowstone's Nature also contains tips for predicting Old Faithful and a journal page to use and enjoy in the park or back at home.

Joseph Uhler and his dad, John, have more information about Yellowstone's Junior Ranger Program on The Total Yellowstone Junior Ranger Page.

Comments and Questions are Welcome.

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