The new stewardship-focused Junior Ranger program will invite young people and their families to become the next generation of park stewards

VANCOUVER – Fort Vancouver National Historic Site has debuted a new outdoor exhibit and summer Junior Ranger program to encourage visitors of all ages to play a role in stewarding national parks and historic sites. The exhibit, Look for the Helpers, highlights people both past and present who have helped to steward the natural, cultural, and historic resources of Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. The new stewardship-focused Junior Ranger program will invite young people and their families to become the next generation of park stewards.

“Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a great place to learn about the people who make National Park Service sites wonderful places to visit, explore, and learn,” said Park Guide Sarah Weber. “Caring for a special place like Fort Vancouver is a group effort. National Park Service staff rely on volunteers, partners, visitors, and members of our amazing community to help make this a welcoming, safe, and fun place to visit.”

To participate in this summer’s Junior Ranger program, visitors can pick up a checklist of stewardship-focused activities at the Fort Vancouver Contact Station, located just inside the fort’s gates. After completing at least 5 activities, they can present their completed checklist at the Contact Station to take the Junior Ranger pledge and receive their Junior Ranger badge. This program is free of charge, though entrance fees to Fort Vancouver apply. The Junior Ranger program is designed for children ages 8 to 12 but can be completed by younger children with help.

Look for the Helpers features the national historic site’s present-day staff and volunteers, as well as the efforts of photographer Louis Lee, whose World War II-era photographs give us a window into the past, and archaeologist Louis Caywood, whose excavations in the 1940s uncovered the location of the Hudson’s Bay Company fort. The exhibit uses these stories to inspire visitors to Fort Vancouver NHS to become park stewards themselves by learning and following park rules and regulations. The exhibit is located along the trails outside Fort Vancouver.

In addition to the new exhibit and Junior Ranger activity, a few fun elements will be placed around the park throughout the summer to encourage visitors to enjoy their time outdoors. As Superintendent Tracy Fortmann says, “This national park is fortunate to be a part of a generous, caring community. While encouraging stewardship and recognizing those who offer service to others, we also wanted to offer our visitors some unexpected elements just to bring a smile to their face as they walk or bike through the park.”

Summer is a popular time to visit Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. In the summer of 2022 (June through August), the historic site and its surrounding trails and park areas were visited by over 330,000 visitors. Visitors can learn more about visiting Fort Vancouver NHS in the summer here.

What: Look for the Helpers outdoor exhibit and summer Junior Ranger program at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site

When: The exhibit and Junior Ranger program will be available to visitors through August 30, 2023

Where: Fort Vancouver at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, 1001 E 5th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661

Cost: The Junior Ranger program is free with admission to Fort Vancouver. Learn about fees and passes here.

Information provided by Fort Vancouver National Historic Site.