HVNP: Free Summer Junior Ranger Programs

Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is offering children ages seven through 13 the opportunity to become junior rangers over the summer.

The junior rangers program is offered through the Keiki o Hawai’i Nei summer program.

Two age groups will each conduct a three-day program. Children ages seven to 10 will run from June 7 through June 9, while children ages 11 to 13 will take part in the session from June 14 to June 16.

For the first two days, Keiki o Hawai‘i Nei begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. On the last day, the program begins at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m.

Children should be dropped off and picked up at the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.

The program is designed to encourage a child’s enthusiasm for discovery by connecting each child with the park’s resources and staff and to inspire his or her appreciation of what is uniquely Hawaiian by exploring the natural and cultural heritage of Hawai‘i.

Each participant must bring and carry their own day pack, which should include water, snacks, lunch, and raingear. Children should also be able to hike up to three miles over uneven terrain at a leisurely pace.

Interested individuals must submit an application to register. The form can be found on the National Park Service website.

Applications can also be obtained by contacting Education Specialist Lanakila Anderson by calling 985-6020 or e-mailing gwen_anderson@nps.gov.

All applications must be submitted by noon on May 16. Selections will be made and parents will be notified on May 18.

Ranger Noah teaching keiki kōnane. NPS photo.

Keiki o Hawai‘i Nei at Pu‘uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. NPS photo.

Keiki exploring Pu‘u o Lokuana at Kahuku. NPS photo.

Ranger Noah and Keiki o Hawai‘i Nei. NPS photo.