Unpopular Opinion on Junior Ranger Badges at National Parks

Unpopular opinion… I don’t require Junior Ranger badges at National Park Sites. 🤯 I used to make the kids do them. I have a drawer full of the plastic things. It’s the “best way to homeschool” at these sites, right? Nope. 🛑 Who ends up doing lots of the work?🙋‍♀️ Who missed actual learning and reading to help with a word search?🙋‍♀️ Who misses the point because they’re filling in blanks?🙋‍♀️🧒👧 Sometimes, the packets help guide the visit and give your kid a goal. Sometimes, Mom needs some busy work to walk around with bigs. Sometimes, you have a kid who refuses to read or participate… Assign it. That’s fine. 👉👉But sometimes, just say “no”. My biggest wants to read and dive in. She’s the one who told me she doesn’t want to do it. And I totally get it. But how do they pay attention? 🔹Start when they’re young. 🔹Take them to museums, so they know how to act. 🔹Introduce them to historical people and places ahead of time - context! 🔹Require age-appropriate attention. 🔹Allow for exploring and running and pretend cannon shooting. 🔹Walk around and explain to them. 🌟And then be done.🌟 🤩Remember, a thirty minute historical stop with actual learning beats a two hour scavenger hunt any day. I still think it’s a great program. We love National Parks. But don’t let the “have to”s get in the way. 👉Tell me what National Park site is next for you. I’m gonna live vicariously through you. ❤️ . . . . 📸George Washington Carver Birthplace; Missouri; Summer 2021