The project involves 11-18 year olds, working alongside ranger services and other partners in the Park. It is based on a European model of engaging young people in fun, practical activities in Protected Areas that provides them with new skills and the opportunity to act as ambassadors for the National Park.

The Junior Ranger programme operates across Europe and our groups are affiliated to the EUROPARC Federation.

Monthly programme

Young people can sign up to monthly Junior Ranger sessions held in a variety of locations in the Cairngorms National Park. The participants will have the opportunity to:

• develop skills, knowledge and understanding from the initial programme
• use new skills in meaningful and real situations
• act as Youth ambassadors for the Cairngorms National Park
• participate in International and National Camps and exchanges
• achieve their John Muir Explorer Award      

Schools’ programme

We work with secondary schools and partner Ranger Services in and around the Cairngorms National Park to deliver a 5 day programme that involves:

• Visits and talks
• Conservation tasks
• Outdoor activities
• Sharing experiences with friends and family
• Achieving the John Muir Discovery Award
• Graduating as a Cairngorms National Park Junior Ranger

Junior rangers have the chance to explore the Cairngorms, working alongside adult rangers on practical tasks, whilst having fun and learning new skills with people of their own age. These skills will benefit young people in any future employment including roles within tourism and education. The activities will particularly suit those with an interest in outdoor or practical jobs such as public services, outdoor instructors and any roles within conservation and land management.

The project aims to promote international exchange, to develop positive, cooperative social skills, and to encourage the active citizenship of young people.

The project is based on experiential, practical, fun and inspirational activities in Protected Areas. It is managed by rangers, according to the idea of ‘learning by doing’. The programme is non-discriminatory and requires a professional approach and high standards of quality. The Junior Ranger project aspires to high environmental standards and forms connections between EUROPARC Protected Areas and local young people.

To register your child for Junior Rangers please email your child’s name and their date of birth to [email protected]

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