Junior Ranger Program for Families

Junior Ranger Program for Families Review

Children ages 5 to 12 can take part in these hands-on educational programs. Kids can pick up a Junior Ranger booklet ($2.50) at Oconaluftee or at other park visitor centers. They're also available at Elkmont and Cades Cove campgrounds and online through the Great Smoky Mountains Association (www.shop.smokiesinformation.org). After they've completed the activities in the booklet, kids can stop by a visitor center to talk to a ranger and receive a Junior Ranger badge. The badges are available year-round but spring through fall the park offers many age-appropriate demonstrations, classes, and programs for Junior Rangers, such as Blacksmithing, Stream Splashin', Geology, Critters and Crawlies, Cherokee Pottery for Kids, and—our favorite—Whose Poop's on Our Boots?