Junior Ranger Program
Bailey has visited many National Parks and has enjoyed
participating in their Junior Ranger programs. Bailey enjoys spending
time at the Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR) near to where
she resides, but observed that they didn’t have a Junior Ranger
Program. After talking with park rangers at the MNWR and doing some
research on her own, Bailey discovered that children who spend time
outside are more confident and creative than their peers. So, Bailey
decided that the best way to get more children outside and enjoying
the refuge would be to develop a Junior Ranger Program.
Bailey spent many hours researching other Junior Ranger programs for
ideas and inspiration on what to include in her program. With the help
of her project advisor, one of the MNWR rangers, she created a 14 page
Junior Ranger booklet that includes activities specific to the refuge.
Once children have completed the activities, which demonstrate what
they have learned about the refuge, they receive a Junior Ranger
Certificate and Patch. Bailey worked with the St. Croix Regional Tech
Center to assist with the design and printing of her book.
Baily also ensured that her project will continue for years to
come by giving the refuge a flash drive of the book files so that they
can print more copies and update her book as needed. Bailey says she
is “excited for families and kids to use the booklets and visit
Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge.” When asked what she learned while
doing her project, Bailey said “I learned to be more assertive and how
to work with team members who might have different ideas than you. I
learned that it’s ok to ask for help.”
Silver Award Girl Scout, Bailey O'Rourke
27 Mar 2020
