Lava Beds staff invites kids of all ages to become Junior Rangers on Saturday, July 1st. Bring the family for a day full of activities, especially designed for those with a curious mind.

The goal of the Junior Ranger program is to introduce children to the natural and cultural wonders all around them and encourage them in preserving these marvels for the future. This year’s Junior Ranger Day will focus on some of the different jobs within the National Park Service.  Kids will collect berries with botanists, study petroglyphs with archaeologists, explore caves with speleologists, lead tours with interpreters, investigate the traditional meaning of the night sky with tribal representatives, and practice search and rescue with rangers.  While honing these skills, children will also learn about the amazing diversity with Lava Beds National Monument. 

The quest to learn about the history, wildlife, and geology of Lava Beds National Monument begins at the visitor center. From 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.  Several activities require tickets which will be handed out on a first come-first serve basis. Other activities will be on-going throughout the day.  At 2:00 PM Superintendent Larry Whalon will meet with all of the new recruits for a swearing in ceremony with awards!

All of the events are free; however, the standard $15.00 entrance fee per vehicle is still applicable.  For those unable to attend this special day, Junior Ranger recognition can be achieved throughout the year by completing an interactive booklet (available at the visitor center) that guides children through various activities designed to enhance their experience at Lava Beds National Monument.

Lava Beds National Monument, established in 1925, is a land of turmoil, both geologic and historic. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. Lava tube caves, Native American sites, historic battlefields and a high desert wilderness experience await you!

For more information about visiting Lava Beds National Monument, call 530-667-8100, email labe_interpretation@nps.gov, or go to nps.gov/labe. Also, follow the park’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more information and updates.