Junior Ranger & Interpretive Programs
Junior Ranger and Interpretive Programs
Interpretive Programs
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground's Interpretation Team hosts multiple educational programs on site on a weekly basis. Times and topics vary in hopes of reaching as vast an audience as possible.
To find out which programs are happening during your stay, visit the Upcoming Events page of this website and select the date range for which you are staying.
If you are interested in learning more general information about programs offered, please continue reading below.
Junior Rangers
Ages 7-12
During these programs, young nature enthusiasts get a hands on experience learning alongside an interpreter about State Park cultural and natural resources. This state-wide program occurs at multiple parks and activities are catered to the specific parks in which classes are held. Program participants have the goal of completing ten Junior Ranger classes or self-guided experiences in order to earn their own Junior Ranger Sabertooth sew-on patch. Progress on their journey is tracked through the stampbook they receive at their first ever Junior Ranger class. To learn more about the program, please visit the official Junior Rangers website.
Little Rangers
Ages 3-7
Spark the enthusiasm for outdoor adventures early with these programs. Akin to the Junior Ranger courses, Little Ranger programs are an introduction to nature education and focus on hands on, age appropriate activities within the park. Participation in these classes are experiential and do not follow the same achievements tracking path as the Junior Ranger Program.
Beachcombers Walk
All ages welcome; please request ADA accommodations 24 hours in advanced to (760) 438-3143
Our California coastline is an everchanging space and what we find on our beaches can be different every day. The term "beachcombing" can be traced back to the 1800's and is a practice of carefully walking and observing beach ecosystems to find items of interest, value, or utility. Join a State Park Interpreter on these explorative journeys to uncover what we can about the underwater world! Remember to wear good walking shoes for navigating cobblestones, sun protection and plenty of drinkable water.
Education Station
All ages welcome
The Education Station at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is a unique and experiential museum in miniature. During hours of operation, the park's Interpretive Staff will open our quaint brick building adjacent to the campfire center and invite guests inside to explore artifacts, biofacts, biomodels, and more! While ocean enthusiasts of all ages are welcome and encouraged to visit, already-inducted Junior Rangers can earn a stamp for their logbook by visiting and participating in educational experiments. Themes for the Education Station rotate seasonally, so make sure you stop by with every visit to see what has changed!
Litter Getter Self-Guided Activity
All ages welcome
This state-wide initiative is all about leaving our spaces better than we found them! The main goal of the California State Parks Litter Getter program is to encourage children to keep the parks crumb clean, wild, and healthy, and continue this behavior in their communities. Participants will be equipped with safety gloves and paper bags to collect litter from within the park. If they are able to fill the bag and show a State Park Interpreter or Park Aide their efforts, they will earn their own collectible stickers and certificate, certifying that they are a true ally to nature and official Litter Getter! While this effort is important to keep up everywhere, not every State Park is equipped with clean up materials. Please call the individual park you plan to visit to inquire about Litter Getter participation.