Junior Rangers

Cottonwood tree at outdoor classroom.

REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER 2026 IS CURRENTLY CLOSED & WILL OPEN FEBRUARY 24TH, 2026.

Join us for four weeks of hands-on, inquiry-based summer camp at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park with support from the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center, a non-profit organization established to support the Park and its mission.

Junior Rangers Summer Camp is for middle-school aged youth (11-14 years old) and will run for 2 weeks in June and 2 weeks in July, Monday to Thursday, from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

June 15-19 – Week 1: Plants & Pollinators 

The bosque comes alive in June with the thrum of insects, the buzz of hummingbirds and the flutter of moths. Explore the fascinating world of plants and their pollinators Learn how to identify common plants of the bosque and which insects and birds pollinate them. Create arts and crafts inspired by the natural world around you. Come up with a plan to protect the pollinators in your neighborhood throughout the winter.  

June 22-26 – Week 2: The Life Aquatic 

Learn all about the aquatic life of the Middle Rio Grande.  We will trek to the river and we will trek to the ponds.  Learn about which creatures live in the river, and which creatures live in the wetlands. Study invertebrates under microscopes and sketch what you see.  Explore a whole other world that exists just below the surface. Fishes and frogs and beavers, oh my! 

July 13-17 – Week 3: The Thing with Feathers 

Learn to bird this summer! Whether you are a novice birder or have been birding since you could walk this camp is for you. 331 different species of birds have been spotted at Rio Grande Nature Center State Park making it one of New Mexico’s premier birding hotspots. Learn how to properly use binoculars, work on your bird list, and go birding in the bosque and the wetlands. Make bird inspired art and keep a birding journal.   

July 20-24 – Week 4: Belonging in the Bosque 

Who belongs in the bosque? What is the difference between an invasive species and a native species? Historically, what roles have humans had in shaping the bosque? What roles should humans have in managing the Bosque? Put on your land manager hats and work gloves, because we will be answering tough questions and picking tumbleweeds as we explore the ecology of the Anthropocene in the bosque.  

Cost: For FRGNC members, each week is $130. For non-member, each week is $160.  If you are a member of the Friends of the Rio Grande Nature Center State Park, the 20% discount will be applied to the cost of these sessions at checkout when you enter the Promotion Code Member. (You are a member if you have a current Friends Day Use placard for the park).  You may also purchase a membership now to get the 20% discount for these sessions and an annual Friends placard. Regular memberships are $30 per year and special memberships for seniors (62+), teachers, people with disabilities, and students (18-23) are $20 per year. If you are registering more than one child, purchase only one membership.  Without a membership, the day use fee is $5 per vehicle per day.

Regular Annual Membership

Refund Policy:

  • Refunds must be requested by 4:00 pm on the Wednesday before the class begins on the next Monday. Call RGNC Visitor Center at 505-344-7240. to make the request.
  • If a last-minute cancellation must be made, a refund will only be issued if there is another student who can be enrolled to fill the space. If there is no one else to take the space, no refund will be made.
  • Class cancellations may occur if there are fewer that 8 students enrolled by the Wednesday before the class begins. Parents will be notified and have the option of a refund or a transfer to another class, if available.
  • FRGNC Administration will make the final decisions on refunds. Refunds are only given by check. For questions, contact the Friends office at 505-343-1373.

What to Know Before You Register:

  • Camp will be held regardless of weather.
  • Be on time for class. Meet the teachers at the group shelter in front of the Education Building, south of the parking lot. Pick your child(ren) up on time. Parents/guardians must sign children in and out of camp.
  • We will be outside as much as possible, so children need to apply sunscreen and insect repellent before class and wear close-toed shoes (no flip-flops). Children should wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty and protect from scratchy bushes.
  • Cell phones can only be used with permission of the teacher for taking pictures. No pictures of other children can be taken and NO other uses of cell phones is permitted.

What to Bring Daily:

  • Packed lunch
  • Sunscreen & bug spray (applied before arrival, with extra in their bag)
  • A hat for sun protection
  • A full water bottle
  • Close-toed shoes for walking
  • Water shoes (for river exploring!)
  • An extra change of clothes (including shirt, pants, undies, and socks)

Rules for Students:

  • Children must stay with the group at all times.
  • Do not bring electronic games, toys or other distractions, without explicit permission from Camp Educators.
  • Check with the teacher for permission before bringing specimens to show.
  • Children must be able to follow instructions and be respectful of fellow students, teachers, volunteers, and the park. Potential safety hazards will be discussed. Those who create safety issues will be asked to leave and their registration fee will not be refunded.

Note:  Registration for each class ends at noon on the Sunday before the class begins on Monday.

If you are enrolling more than one child, please close this window and go back to the website when you have completed the registration and payment.