What is the Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger Program
The Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger program is a partnership between the National Park Service and the Boy Scouts of America. The program invites Scouts and Cub Scouts to participate in educational and/or volunteer service projects at national park sites. These activities spark their awareness of the national parks and provide Scouts with the opportunity to explore their national parks and learn more about protecting our natural and cultural resources. Scouts are awarded certificates and/or patches after meeting certain requirements of the program. Please read on to learn more.
How Can You Earn a Certificate and/or Patch?
Scouts and Cub Scouts (boys, girls, and young adults) can participate in the Resource Stewardship Scout Ranger Program through a troop, event, travel, or camp experience, and will be awarded a program certificate and/or patch upon completion.
To earn a Scout Ranger certificate, Scouts should participate in organized education activities and/or volunteer service projects for a minimum of five (5) hours at one or more national parks.
To earn a Scout Ranger patch, Scouts should participate in organized educational activities or volunteer service projects for a minimum of ten (10) hours at one or more national parks. Examples of qualifying organized educational programs include the following:
- Ranger-guided interpretive tours
- Junior Ranger programs
- Environmental education programs
- Any other official NPS education program (campfire program, ranger-led hike, etc.)
Please complete this activity tracking sheet and mail it to the last park where you completed your hours, or email the document and provide your mailing address to us at npsyouth@nps.gov if you are having trouble receiving your certificate and/or patch, and we can help you.
Scout Ranger Locations
Click here to see a list of national park sites with opportunities for Scout Rangers.
Are you an Eagle Scout?
Learn how you can download the Eagle Scout Award Certificate of Recognition here. Plese note use of the certificate is based on the honor system, as the certificate should only be downloaded after advancing to Eagle Scout rank.
The Scout Ranger Program is not part of the qualifications for the Boy Scout Eagle award or for the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold awards. However, as many high-achieving Scouts can affirm, experiences gained in the Scout Ranger Program enhance progress toward these lofty goals.