Appalachian Trail Junior Ranger Program (BRP)

 

AT Patch and Junior Ranger Rocker

While we were at Farm Fest Saturday, we talked to folks we knew and also met some interesting people for the first time. One of those people we met and talked to was Peter H., who is the Ridge District Interpreter. He was telling us that there was an AT Junior Ranger Program ... this was news to us!  Since we (AT volunteer maintainers) would like to see more kids outside in nature and interested in the AT in particular, this was an exciting discovery. Peter followed up with an email that included the program and a picture of the patch/rocker (see above). To quote some of his email information:

Now I am trying to get the word out to any/all folks about it. Basically, the visitor (teenager is target group) prints the booklet off from the internet and completes the work. Then they can send it/bring it by a Parkway Visitor Center (Humpback Rocks or Peaks of Otter) for checking and receive their patch (Appalachian Trail blue/yellow round patch with Junior Ranger matching rocker) for free (see attached image).

I think this is a great program to advertise to youth to get them involved in the AT.

 The booklet is primarily designed around the Humpback Rocks section of trail.  

[I am] trying to get the word out about the AT Junior Ranger program to all that can spread the word and use it. Let me know if you need anything else and please share far and wide. 

The booklet for the AT Junior Ranger has the following four sections so you can get an idea of what is included:

Activity 1 - Getting Started
Learn about the history and management of the Appalachian Trail from the Appalachian Trail map/brochure

Activity 2 - Map It

Activity 3 - Take a Hike
A Trail Assessment

Activity 4 - A Thru-Hiker's Journey
Read a real A.T. thru-hiker's journal and answer questions


LINKS:

• To download the booklet specifically for the AT Junior Ranger, go to this link:

Appalachian Trail Junior Ranger Program

• For other BRP programs for kids:

 For Kids

If you have/know of kids in this age range and you would like to get them interested in the AT or they already have an interest and you would like to further it, take a look at the AT Junior Ranger Program!  Thanks to Peter for this great information!!


(Photo: Peter H., BRP)