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Honorary Rangers

SANParks Junior Rangers

Information booklet

Junior Honorary Rangers are volunteers between the ages of 12 and 18 who render service to SA National Parks. It is the junior leg of the Honorary Rangers (HR’s) which has been in existence for 40 years and has a very proud tradition of volunteer service to SA National Parks. It is a national movement with 500 plus senior HR members in 23 regions across South Africa.

How do I become a Junior Honorary Ranger?

Interested persons can get an application form from the Honorary Rangers office at SA National Parks in Groenkloof. The forms are sent to the nearest region to the applicant and they will arrange a selection committee to interview the applicant (usually once a year in January/February).

After being selected candidates stay applicants for at least the first year or till they have completed the prescribed orientation courses and practical. Candidates can only be appointed after the prescribed courses have been completed. A special ceremony will be held to appoint successful candidates.

Candidates who become Junior Honorary Rangers will be re-appointed every year and must:

  • either be involved in a conservation/environmental project, or
  • do at least one prescribed course in a particular year, or
  • demonstrate a high level of involvement/commitment of excellent quality (not only attendance of meetings), to qualify for re-appointment.

Training

Training in the first year will be in the form of an orientation course (an interactive training manual, which has to be completed) and a one-day practical workshop plus a portfolio on the year’s activities.

Activities

Meetings

The Junior Honorary Rangers can be involved in some of the activities of the Senior Corps but will meet on their own and follow their own programme. Meetings will take place once a month (except during school vacations) at the Groenkloof offices of SA National Parks or alternative venues in Pretoria. Meetings will be held on Friday afternoons or on Saturdays. Meetings will have an administrative component but will also be in the form of a mini-workshop.

Other activities

JHR’s will visit game reserves/parks, etc as soon as a sponsor is found or funds are generated. JHR’s may only do duty in National Parks when a senior ranger or SA National parks official is present.

JHR’s will take a leading role in conservation clubs, environmental projects in their schools and communities. In between meetings the individual members will work on their projects or be involved in courses.

Uniforms

Once appointed Junior Honorary Rangers will wear uniforms. A JHR cap is also available.