Gateway National Recreation Area - Be A Junior Ranger (U.S. National Park Service)

Junior Ranger Programs

Summer Program at Great Kills Park, Staten Island

Held in July and again in August, this two-week hands-on nature study program for ages 7-12 starts at the Great Kills Education Field Station. Programs run from 9:30am to 12:00pm each day. Participants earn a Junior Ranger badge and patch for completing the program. For required reservations call (718) 987-6790.

Staten Island Unit Junior Ranger Program

The self-guided Staten Island Unit Junior Ranger Program is available year-round for children ages 7- 12. Pick up a free “National Park Adventure for Junior Rangers” booklet at the Great Kills Park or Miller Field Ranger Stations, or the Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center. It contains self-guided and ranger-led activities, either of which must be completed at all three Staten Island Unit sites. Children receive a Junior Ranger badge and patch for completing the program. For information call (718) 987-6790.

Summer Program at Sandy Hook, New Jersey

A three-hour program for ages 7-12 is offered several times during the summer. This program gives an introduction to the duties of Park Rangers and Surf Guards at Sandy Hook. Children learn the importance of protecting our National Parks and how park staff work together to protect both visitors and park resources. Upon completion of the program, children take home a plaster sand cast which they have made, and a Junior Ranger badge. Call (732) 872-5970 for reservations and more information.

Junior Ranger Kite Program at Fort Wadsworth

National Park Service Photo

Using kites to take aerial photographs of historic Fort Wadsworth.

After School Programs at Fort Wadsworth

As part of the National Park Service Junior Ranger program, the National Parks of New York Harbor Education Center offers free, ranger-led after-school programs to organized community groups. All programs are given at Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island. For further information and for group reservations call 718-354-4530. Current programs include:

A Kite's Eye View - Become an aerial photographer, flying a kite equipped with a digital camera to photograph historic Fort Wadsworth.

Landscape Art - Children receive inspiration from the historic and natural surroundings of Fort Wadsworth by drawing what they see in a National Park.

Photo Scavenger Hunt - Budding young photographers explore Gateway's Fort Wadsworth using digital cameras.