For Parents

Go for a walk in the woods or the park with your child or watch birds together… The Junior Forest Ranger program can be fun for the whole family!

The Junior Forest Ranger program aims to interest children in enjoying the outdoors and to help develop tomorrow's leaders—your children. They are our single most precious resource. We are committed to fostering and nurturing the environment and the education of our nation's children.

You may have fun memories of Smokey Bear or Woodsy the Owl from your own childhood. Perhaps Smokey or Woodsy was one of your first introductions to the ways that you could protect the environment. When you encourage your kids to become Junior Forest Rangers, you're giving them an education, laying the groundwork for leadership, and providing fond memories they will cherish when they're adults.

You Speak, We Listen.

Many parents and other citizens requested that we expand the program beyond wildfire prevention. They want children to learn more about conservation and responsible land management. In response to these requests, we have thoroughly revamped the Junior Forest Ranger program. This Web site and the booklet are the first steps in a major effort to reach families nationwide and develop tomorrow's leaders.

The JFR program teaches children about our rich natural resources and their own place in the environment. Everything is free of cost, as a service of the USDA Forest Service.

Have fun doing the activities in the JFR Adventure Guide with your child

The Junior Forest Ranger program requires kids to complete the activities in the JFR Adventure Guide, “Become a Junior Forest Ranger,” which can be downloaded and printed. The booklet provides a variety of fun activities that your child can do alone. And it's also a great way for families to get together to team up with children on activities. Your participation can greatly enhance your child's learning.

When all activities are completed, your child then fills out and mails the JFR Official Form. We mail an official JFR pin and membership card to your child. The card contains a membership number that grants the child members-only access to the kid-safe JFR Clubhouse.

We care about your children's safety!

The information your children provide us will not be used or shared with any other entity outside or within the federal government. Read our privacy policy.

Kids use their membership number as their special password to enter the kid-safe Clubhouse.

The Clubhouse offers a wonderful variety of activities, lessons, and opportunities to participate in other programs. Special offers are also available from our partners who support the program.

Homeschooling your child?

If you homeschool your child, the JFR program is a great resource for environment lessons. Be sure to check out our resources for teachers.