Parks Victoria has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children, and this is an important part of the Junior Ranger program. 
Read more about our commitments to child safety here. 

The Junior Ranger way

Discover how Junior Ranger’s take care of the environment and learn about what you can do to make sure Victoria’s special places stay protected.

There are 3 things Junior Rangers always remember to do:

1. Know before you go

Junior Rangers are always prepared for their next park adventure.

• Find out about the park you are going to visit and what you can do there.
• Check the weather before you go and make sure you have the right equipment, clothes and footwear with you.
• Take plenty of food, water to drink, and sun protection.

2. Keep our parks wild

Junior Rangers know that a park is a special home for native animals and plants

• Respect animals’ homes by leaving plants, shells, logs and even rocks where you find them.
• Animals are healthiest eating their natural foods, so only share your food with other people.
• Never walk up to wildlife because it might become frightened and try to protect itself.
• Use all your senses to connect with the natural environment.

3. Leave no trace

When Junior Rangers visit a park you would never know they had been there!

• Leave everything as you find it. The best souvenirs of your adventure are your memories. Take photos, drawings or write about your experiences in your nature diary.
• Respect any evidence of the past that you might find. Parks protect our history.
• Keep yourself safe and protect the park by staying on walking tracks and not damaging vegetation.
• Take all food scraps and rubbish home to put in the bin or recycle.
• Only camp where it is permitted and keep your campsite small and tidy.
• Only light fires in the fireplaces provided and always put the fire out completely.

Information for parents

The Junior Ranger program presents a unique and wonderful opportunity for young people and families to experience nature. In order for everyone to benefit we do ask that parents and carers are mindful of some important considerations.

• Children should bring a hat, drink, wear sunscreen, sensible shoes (no thongs) and clothing suitable for the activity and weather.
• Remember to bring your camera!
• Junior Ranger activities may be cancelled due to bad weather, days of high fire danger or if staff are required for bushfire response.
• A parent or adult guardian aged 18 or older must accompany children during all Junior Ranger activities – Rangers are not responsible for ‘minding’ children.
• Rangers are trained in Occupational Health and Safety and will advise children and parents of any hazards or risks at the beginning of the activity.
• Rangers carry first aid kits and radio or telephone communications at all times.
• Due to safety reasons, some Junior Ranger activities are only permitted for children of certain ages and/or have a limit of participant numbers. Please observe these before booking your child into the activity and book early to avoid missing out.
• Our activities are intended for the 6-12 age group. If it’s necessary for a younger or older sibling to attend as well then they will also need your close supervision.

Contact

To ask a question or find out more information call Parks Victoria on 13 1963. You can also email us at juniorrangers@parks.vic.gov.au