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By Eric Sandstrom
 | Junior Rangers explore the wonders of Colorado National Monument.
Photo courtesy of National Park Services |
Grand Junction's breathtaking Colorado National Monument is truly a sight to behold, but why let the kids just see it through the car window when they can get out and explore this natural treasure first-hand?
The monument's Junior Ranger program offers such an exciting array of "out of the car" activities that other national parks are using it as a model to enhance their own programs.
"We have several park-specific activities in our Junior Ranger program," says Michelle Wheatley, Chief of Interpretation at Colorado National Monument. "The idea is to engage families in this spectacular place so they all have an opportunity to learn through the eyes of their children."
That engagement begins with a free colorful 14-page Junior Ranger Activities Booklet available at the Visitor Center on Rim Rock Drive.
In this spectacular canyon country of desert bighorn sheep, golden eagles and nine – count 'em, nine! –  | Explorer Backpacks can be checked out at the Visitor Center.
Photo courtesy of National Park Services |
species of lizards, the booklet in an inquisitive child's passport to adventure! Its pages are full of age-appropriate activities designed to make every visit a memorable learning experience.
Among the activities, children are asked (with the aid of their parents) to take note of the flora and fauna around them, not to mention the stunning rock formations that rise 400 feet or more from the canyon floors. The book also encourages them to hike a trail and ponder the geologic history they see right before their eyes.
Interpretive Park Ranger Annie Williams designed the Junior Ranger booklet last year to help enrich the park experience for both youngsters and their parents. It also helped re-launch the Junior Ranger program after a 14-year absence, and its return has been highly successful.
More than 3,000 children completed the Junior Ranger program in 2009. And that's 3,000 kids who are getting out of the car,  | Children receive a badge and certificate after completing the program.
Photo courtesy of National Park Services |
stretching their legs and discovering the spectacular landscape around them – at their own pace.
Colorado National Monument also offers Junior Ranger Explorer Backpacks with field guides, magnifying glasses, binoculars and other gear to help children investigate the hidden life found in canyon country in more depth. Backpacks can be checked out at the Visitor Center for up to four hours. (There's no charge for them, but you will need to leave a license that will kept until the backpacks are returned.)
After completing the booklet's activities (allow about two hours), children can return to the Visitor Center for a "graduation ceremony" conducted by a National Park Ranger. Each child receives a Colorado National Monument Junior Ranger badge and certificate to the congratulatory applause of staff and visitors alike.
"There is no greater reward than to see their smiling faces when they receive their badges," Wheatley says.
For more information on the Colorado National Monument's Junior Ranger program, call (970) 858-3617, ext. 308, or visit www.coloradonma.org/junior-ranger.htm.
Listen to an audio tour featuring the Colorado National Monument here .
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