Junior Naturalist Program - The Junior Naturalist Program was conceived in 1997 for campgrounds participating in the Nature Recreation Program, then expanded to satellite campgrounds in 1998. The Junior Naturalist Program gives children the opportunity to test their environmental knowledge while teaching them more about New York State's environment.
How It Works: Children five through twelve years old can request a Junior Naturalist Journal at participating campgrounds. The journal is separated in to two sections: one for the younger children (5-8 years old) and one for the older children (9 and up). Activities for younger children are usually marked by an acorn surrounding the page number, where as an oak tree designates activities for the older children. Also, older children should attempt all of the activities in the journal. The journal can be filled in by using the activities as family activities or with someone helping the child. When the journal is completed, children bring it to the appropriate DEC staff person who reviews the journal then gives the child a Junior Naturalist patch.
The Journal - The colorful activity book of the Junior Naturalist Program, referred to as the Junior Naturalist Journal, is designed for children five to twelve years old. Yet it also contains helpful hints to make the completion of the book a family affair. There are also tips at the beginning on how parents and older siblings can learn from the book as well as the younger children.
Contact for this Page:
NYSDEC
Division of Operations
625 Broadway
Albany, NY
12233-5253
518-457-2500
nrpinfo@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Junior Naturalist Program - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation
NY State Jr Naturalist Porgram for kids Activity Book *email*
