Summer Nature Programs
The California State Parks Junior Ranger Program is a free, fun, and educational program for kids aged 7-11. Over the course of the program, kids will learn about various subjects pertaining to Torrey Pines State Natural reserve. including our native plants, mammals, reptiles, insects, and more through fun activities and hikes.
Each program is scheduled based on seasonality, staff-availability and resources. The best way to find out about any up-and-coming programs is to sign up for our mailing list.
Are you a Girl Scout Leader looking to sign your troop up for our Junior Ranger program? Email us directly at juniorrangers@torreypine.org and we’ll get back to you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How much does it cost?
- Nothing, it’s free!
- What if my children already joined a specific Junior Ranger program in the past?
- We have different themed Junior Ranger sessions (i.e.. Sharks, Mammals & Tracking, Nature Journaling). If you have already signed up and attended one of these specific sessions in the past and want to sign up again, note that the material and lesson plan will be the same. You will automatically be put on a waiting list to allow other parents, who have not yet attended this particular lesson, a chance. If there is enough room for all kids to join, you will automatically be enrolled.
- What is the lottery system?
- Instead of the traditional first-come, first-served approach, we use a more equitable lottery system for parent registrations. This means that when we announce a new Junior Ranger program, you will have a full week to sign up before we proceed with a random selection process for the available dates. Once the selection is complete, we will promptly notify the chosen parents via a confirmation email, confirming their child’s registration in the program. By adopting this lottery system, we are ensuring that each parent has an equal and fair chance of securing a spot for their Junior Ranger. Our ultimate goal is to make the program accessible to as many children as possible while maintaining a high-quality experience.
- I subscribed to your mailing list but have received no emails.
- If you filled out your information to subscribe to our mailing list and have not yet received an email it may be for the following reasons:
- The email ended up in your spam folder. Check your spam folder and add juniorrangers@torreypine.org to your contacts.
- We have not sent out any emails since you’ve signed up. Please be patient with us while we work on and schedule the next Junior Ranger program. We will email you to announce the next Junior Ranger program.
- If you filled out your information to subscribe to our mailing list and have not yet received an email it may be for the following reasons:
- How long does the program run for?
- Each program is different depending on the season, staff-availability and resources. A Junior Ranger program can run anywhere between 1 to 5 days, with each session being 90 minutes long. Information for each program will be available weeks before the program begins.
- Can I drop my kid off and come back?
- Yes, we encourage you to take advantage of the free parking and take a hike in our wonderful Reserve. Come back at the end of each session to pick up your kids and don’t be surprised if they take you on another hike to teach you all they’ve learned!
- Can I stay with my kid(s)?
- This is a drop-off only program. We encourage parents to take the opportunity to walk around the beautiful Reserve while Junior Rangers is in session. If your child is not comfortable with your absence, we recommend grabbing our Junior Ranger activity book from the Visitor Center so they can still learn about Torrey Pines and receive a Junior Ranger patch!
- Are the programs held outside?
- Yes, the programs are generally held outside. There may be an activity that is held inside our historic, adobe Visitor Center/Lodge
- What is the adult to child ratio?
- 2 - 3 adults for every 8 kids
- How much does parking cost?
- The parking fee is waived for parents on the days Junior Rangers is in session. You will receive a parking pass from Park Staff to display on your dash.
- Are there restrooms?
- Toilets are available at the beach parking lot. Porta potties are available at the top of the hill our West parking lot, accompanied with handwashing stations.
- What should my child(ren) wear to Junior Rangers?
- Clothing that is weather appropriate and closed-toed shoes are best.
- Are there any personal items my kid(s) should bring?
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and water are great (and important) items to have on hand!
- Backpacks (unless used for carrying water/sunscreen/medicine) can get in the way. If possible, please keep those at home or in the car. We provide the Junior Rangers with materials they will need for the activities.
- Can my kid(s) bring a snack?
- Please note that there is no food allowed in the Reserve. Plan ahead and eat breakfast before arriving. If you plan on having snacks after the program, you may have a picnic on the beach.
Didn’t find the answer to your question? Please email us at juniorrangers@torreypine.org and we’ll get back to you!