Junior ranger programs had been operating in other states for a number of years, but were essentially school holiday programs for park visitors. Stuart wanted a program for NT kids that linked groups of young people closely with their local park.

Stuart’s thought people who have positive and enjoyable experiences with nature, are likely to become protective of it. He also understood that attitudes and behaviour are caught rather than taught, and that reinforcing messages is crucial to fostering positive attitudes and values.

This meant that to have a good attitude towards protecting the environment as an adult, we must have exposure and access to it early in life. We are also more likely to value and protect our natural and cultural resources if we see that others around us want to do so as well.

There have been different program formats over the years, and the Conservation Commission has changed its name once or twice, but the ideals of the program have stayed the same.

These days, people understand that environmental protection is important. Unfortunately we spend less time in contact with nature and are becoming less familiar with it. People see the natural environment as a fun place to go to on holiday, rather than a place where we belong.

The main aim of the junior ranger program is to have our kids understand and feel comfortable in the natural environment, creating in them a sense of place and a feeling of belonging to their world. Yes, we go hiking, catch bugs, make maps, look for critters and build cubby houses, but we also build relationships with other people that link us to the land. 

The Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife Commission and its staff are proud of the junior ranger program. It has been teaching kids about their world for a long time – long enough that the first participants are now enrolling their own junior rangers.

We hope that in the future Territory kids will still learn to love where they live by finding ‘stuff’ out from the people around them and getting out there themselves.