International Junior Ranger Camp

International Junior Ranger camp 2016

The EUROPARC International Junior Ranger Camp

The International Junior Ranger Camp is a motivational and eye-opening experience for many young people across the continent. Here, they have the opportunity to make friends from across Europe who share a passion for nature and are involved in local Protected Areas. The camp has a full programme including nature conservation, environmental issues, and cultural heritage. Young people will discover a new Protected Area, be given responsibility to represent their park and their country, as well as contribute to the conservation of another Protected Area in a different part of Europe.

The camp enables EUROPARC to show how nature knows no boundaries across Europe and through cultural exchange to highlight the value of good citizenship, how we are all part of nature and how we can look after it for current and future generations.

The principles of a EUROPARC International Junior Ranger Camp are:

  • Experiential, practical, fun, safe and inspirational activities in Protected Areas managed by Rangers, “learning by doing”;
  • A non-discriminatory programme, which requires a professional approach and high quality standards;
  • Promotes international exchange to develop positive, cooperative and social skills, and to encourage the active citizenship of youth;
  • Enhance connections between EUROPARC Protected Areas and  young people;
  • Develop cooperation between Rangers, Parks, and EUROPARC.

More details can be found in our brochure – Young people in Europe’s Protected Areas – Download it here!

The next International Junior Ranger Camp will be held in Wales

More info about the 2024 International Junior Ranger Camp

How it works

Each Protected Area with a EUROPARC registered Junior Ranger programme, is encouraged to select two Junior Rangers between the ages of 14 – 17 years old (at the time the Camp takes place) and to send them, together with an active mentor or ranger, to the International Junior Ranger Camp.

As our network is constantly growing, we will no longer be selecting on a first come first served basis, but rather on a two step application process with the first step just an application of intent to attend with no paperwork necessary and a second step requiring all the paperwork of a full application upon selection

The selection criteria was discussed by the mentors of the Junior Ranger teams at the 2023 International Junior Ranger Camp and are as follows:

  • Regional Diversity: to bring together as much cultural diversity as possible
  • Previous Attendance: Those who did no attend the previous International Camp should be given precedence
  • Age of Junior Rangers: Those with Junior Rangers in the correct age range benefit more from the international experience

Here is a fun video from the International Junior Ranger Camp 2016 which gives you an example of what these camps are like:

The International Junior Ranger Camp also offers an opportunity for Rangers and mentors, who accompany their young charges, to exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues from across Europe, assisting in developing new skills in Ranger staff. We are keen to link the work of Ranger Services across Europe, in particular through our partnership with the International Ranger Federation.

For more information on the Junior Ranger programme and Junior Ranger Camp Reports, take a look to our Library.

Hosting an International Junior Ranger Camp

If you are interested in hosting a Camp, please reach out to the EUROPARC youth officer at least 1 year ahead. International Junior Ranger Camps are co-organised between the host and EUROPARC to ensure a mix of local and international experiences.

The host is expected to cover the costs of the camp and all activities for 50 participants. Participants are expected to finance their own travel costs to and from the location.

Alternative options for hosting exchanges:

  • National Junior Ranger Camps
  • Regional Junior Ranger Camps/Seminars
  • Youth+ Camps
  • Youth Council workshops
  • International Youth Volunteer Internships

For any inquiries, please contact the EUROPARC Youth Officer

Details from previous International Junior Ranger Camps are available below: