BHPFA Receives Grant to Support Junior Ranger Program at Scotts Bluff National Monument

BHPFA is thrilled to announce a $1,500 grant from the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation (NSHSF), which helped fund the printing of additional Junior Ranger Program booklets for Scotts Bluff National Monument. This essential program provides young visitors with an interactive way to learn about Nebraska’s rich history and the significant role Scotts Bluff played in the westward expansion of the United States.

Scotts Bluff rangers have seen firsthand the impact of this program, which has grown in popularity since the redesign of the booklets in 2021 – also funded by BHPFA.

“As a parent and ‘parkie’ myself, the Junior Ranger program is a huge part of our travels to National Parks and Forests,” says Jason Gray, Digital Content and Data Manager at BHPFA. “My kids always engage with and learn from the resource better with these fun activities. Some of their core memories include interacting with the rangers at parks we’ve visited across the country. It’s a privilege at BHPFA to help keep this program alive at our partner sites.”

A Grant That Keeps Nebraska’s History Alive for Future Generations

The grant will ensure that BHPFA can continue providing these booklets and the iconic wooden badges awarded to participants, free of charge, even in the face of federal budget cuts. “When we can enlist the support of like-minded organizations like NSHSF to help us achieve this, it’s a win-win,” said Patty Ressler, BHPFA Executive Director.

The program remains a cornerstone of youth engagement at the monument, helping to foster a sense of stewardship and pride in Nebraska’s history.