Play, Learn, Protect

By Elizabeth Bentz

Children giggle with excitement as they proudly raise their right hand and repeat “as a Junior
Ranger, I promise to share my adventures with my family and friends as I play, learn, and protect,
Deception Pass State Park.” Family and friends smile and cheer. Imagine being these young kids.
Exploring from the rocky shores of Rosario Beach to the soft sands of West Beach. Feel the excitement
of completing a challenge, earning a badge, and becoming a Junior Ranger! Embracing the wonder of
play, learn, and protect.

This winter, Deception Pass State Park, in partnership with the Deception Pass Park Foundation,
is excited to launch the Deception Pass State Park Junior Ranger Booklet and Badge Program. Designed
for youth, ages 4-12, this is a reward-based program which follows a model made popular by the
National Park Service. Visitors are invited to complete booklet activities and earn a Junior Ranger badge.
The booklet is comprised of sixteen fun activities designed for youth and families to learn and explore.
This program is unique to Deception Pass State Park with activities that focus solely on the amazing
plants, animals, and history of the park.

We would like to welcome everyone to become a Deception Pass State Park Junior Ranger.
Explore old growth forests through the lens of a scientist, imagine life in the 1930s as a CCC member,
investigate unique tide pool creatures, become part of the park’s crazy food web, and so much more!

To pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, stop by the Welcome Booth, located at the main park
entrance, any day of the week between 11:00am-2:00pm.