Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Alabama State Parks is launching an exciting new program that invites children of all ages to become Junior Park Rangers. The program is completely free and welcomes families, school groups, and youth organizations. Kids don't need any outdoor experience to join. The program is designed to help youngsters discover the beauty of nature while having fun and learning valuable lessons about conservation and the environment.

According to State Park officials, this is the first statewide Junior Park Ranger Program in Alabama. The initiative is just getting started in January 2026 and is now available at the Gulf State Park and all 20 other parks across the state. The program focuses especially on children ages 5 through 12, though kids of any age can participate.

To get started, families can visit www.alapark.com/JuniorParkRanger page to download the free "Junior Park Ranger Adventure Guide." The guide is also available at Gulf State Park and any other Alabama State Park. Children complete age-appropriate activities from the guide during their park visits. After finishing the activities, kids share what they learned with a Park Ranger at Gulf State Park. Once complete, participants receive an official Certificate of Achievement and a Junior Park Ranger badge.

Renee Raney, Alabama State Parks' Chief Naturalist, expressed her enthusiasm about the program. "Launching Alabama's first statewide Junior Park Ranger Program is a moment of deep pride and gratitude for our entire Parks team," Raney said. "This program opens the door for children and families to explore all 21 State Parks as outdoor classrooms, building curiosity, stewardship, and lasting memories together."

The program encourages youngsters and families to swim, bike, paddle, fish, or hike more than 500 miles of trails throughout Alabama's state parks. At Gulf State Park, families can enjoy these outdoor activities while exploring the natural landscape. The program introduces families to Alabama's incredible wildlife diversity, including white-tailed deer, rabbits, and squirrels. A special Passport Challenge encourages participants to visit all 21 state parks.

When kids become Junior Park Rangers, they take on important responsibilities. These include showing respect for wildlife by observing animals from a distance and never feeding them. Rangers must also leave no trace by properly disposing of waste. They must stay safe by using established trails and designated camping sites.

State Parks Director Matthew Capps explained the program's benefits for families and the community. "The Junior Park Ranger Program is designed to connect today's youngsters with the outdoors in a way that will keep them engaged with activities," Capps said. "This not only engages the kids, but family and friends will also see the enthusiasm these youngsters have for the program, which will encourage everyone to take advantage of these great resources at our State Parks."

The program's motto is "Learning happens on the trail!" This reflects the program's focus on outdoor education. Teachers, homeschool families, and youth organizations can participate in classrooms using the activity booklet. They can also schedule guided Junior Park Ranger field trips led by Park Naturalists.

Raney noted that the real-world activities align perfectly with classroom learning. The activities connect to science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math, known as STEM and STREAM learning. A lesson about ecosystems becomes a hike through a forest. A geology unit becomes a hands-on exploration of caverns. Wildlife observation turns into data collection and discovery.

"What's especially heartwarming is the intergenerational aspect," Raney said. "Park guests, families, and park staff are smiling during the Junior Park Ranger ceremony. Parents and children are planning their next adventure in another State Park. It's an inclusive experience that sparks curiosity, connection, inspiration and stewardship all at once."

The response from families has already exceeded expectations, according to park officials. "Children light up when they hold their activity guide, engage in the program, and earn their badge," Raney said. "We see pride glowing from their smiles from the moment they pledge to care for wildlife and leave no trace. Parents and grandparents often tell us they're pleased by how engaged their children are and how meaningful the experience feels for the whole family."

Families interested in learning more about the Junior Park Ranger Program at Alabama Gulf State Park can visit www.alapark.com for complete details and information about all available activities and programs.