"As a Junior Ranger, I pledge to...

-be a friend to this and all other parks
-to learn more about plants, animals and history
-to conserve water and energy here and at home
-recycle whenever I can
-show a loyalty to the preservation of our earth
-and to keep all wild lands clean and beautiful for future generations."

"Congratulations!" we say, "you are now an official Junior Ranger at Hovenweep National Monument!"
After filling out a book of activities about Hovenweep and taking this pledge, any kid can be a Junior Ranger.  In fact, you don't really have to be a kid--since I don't get a real ranger badge, I undertook the challenge of becoming a Junior Ranger myself on one of my first days here.

It seems to be something of a tradition among Park Service employees, or at least us SCA interns at parks in this region, to collect Junior Ranger badges at each park we venture to.  You have to do a little extra work in the booklet if you're over twelve, but even if you fall outside the normal age range it's a great way to learn more about a park's history and importance.  I've now become a Junior Ranger at Arches and Mesa Verde, too!

Showing off my badge.