The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation recently introduced three new Junior Ranger Buddies to our parks and facilities. To start the conversation between children and their families about personal safety when exploring the outdoors, the New York State Park Ranger Program has welcomed “Finn” the Fox, “Bennie” the Beaver, and “Taylor” the Turtle to the ranks! Finn, Bennie, and Taylor each share an important message on how to stay safe when enjoying the parks.
Finn tells families that “Park Employees are Friends” and if a child needs help when in a park, that Park Rangers and other staff are there to help them. Bennie tells children to “Use the Buddy System,” as parks are much more fun when we are enjoying them with friends. Taylor reminds kids to “Share Your Plans” when adventuring outdoors and to tell a trusted adult where they plan on going, and if plans change.
By listening to these tips from their Junior Ranger Buddies, families can facilitate effective communication about safety and where to find a trusted adult if they need help.
The Junior Ranger Buddies continue to emphasize their messages with stickers, activity books, and signage in some of your favorite state parks. See a Park Ranger on your trip to the park? Say hi and ask them for a Junior Ranger Sticker!
Find a Junior Ranger sign but it only has one Junior Ranger Buddy? Look around! There may be more nearby!
You can even use your smart phone to translate the Junior Ranger signs into 12 different languages. Just use your camera to scan the QR code on the bottom left corner.
All are welcome to become Junior Rangers and help spread awareness about how to enjoy the outdoors safely!
Love Finn, Bennie, and Taylor? Keep an eye out for them in the future as they continue to help your Junior Rangers navigate their adventures with safety at top of mind!
What is a Park Ranger? Park Rangers are New York State-licensed security guards and serve as ambassadors for the New York State park system. Many park rangers work seasonally, from mid-spring to early fall. They patrol parks on foot, bicycle, UTV and in vehicles to make sure everyone is following the rules so that we can all have fun safely. Park Rangers are trained in first aid and are there to help you if you are hurt. They are also park lovers, just like you, and are happy to give you directions or help answer any questions that you might have.
– Written by Sarah Santiago, Park Ranger Director
New York State Parks and Historic Sites Blog 
One thought on “Calling all Junior Rangers!”