Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme?
- What do Junior Canadian Rangers do?
- Where are the Junior Canadian Rangers located?
- Why should I join the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme?
- What kind of training will I do?
- How old do I have to be to join the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme?
- How much does it cost to join the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme?
- Do I have to wear a uniform?
- Will I go to summer camp?
- Are there any travel opportunities?
- Will I have to join the Canadian Rangers or Canadian Forces?
- Who teaches the Junior Canadian Rangers?
- What do I need to do in order to join?
- How can I show my support for the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme?
1. What is the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme?
It is a youth program for boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 who live in remote and isolated communities of Canada.
2. What do Junior Canadian Rangers do?
Junior Canadian Rangers participate in meaningful structured activities that are not usually offered in isolated communities. These activities help to preserve the culture, traditions and customs of the local community and foster good citizenship, community responsibility, personal health and welfare, and increased self-esteem in the participants.
Junior Canadian Ranger activities include hunting, fishing and living off the land and learning about spirituality, local dialects, traditional music, singing and dancing.
3. Where are the Junior Canadian Rangers located?
Junior Canadian Rangers are located in remote and isolated communities across Canada.
4. Why should I join the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme?
If you want to participate in fun and meaningful activities, while learning valuable life skills than the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme is for you.
5. What kind of training will I do?
You will participate in a variety of hands-on activities that vary from one part of the country to the next. All Junior Canadian Rangers learn Ranger skills, Traditional skills and Life skills. You will learn how to administer first aid, navigate, make shelters and efficiently live off the land, as well as learn how to speak in public, and live a healthy life.
6. How old do I have to be to join the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme?
Junior Canadian Rangers are between 12 and 18. You must have had your 12th birthday and you can stay until your 19th birthday.
7. How much does it cost to join the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme?
Nothing. Membership is free! The Department of National Defence and its partners cover all costs (uniform, travel, and equipment).
8. Do I have to wear a uniform?
Yes. All Junior Canadian Rangers are provided with a green sweatshirt and ball cap emblazoned with the Junior Canadian Ranger crest. Although many people don’t consider this to be a uniform due to its cozy, casual look, it is the required dress for all Junior Canadian Rangers during official activities.
9. Will I go to summer camp?
Maybe. Summer training sessions are held each year across Canada for selected Junior Canadian Rangers.
10. Are there any travel opportunities?
Yes. Junior Canadian Rangers have travelled to many places in Canada in the past for a variety of special activities.
11. Will I have to join the Canadian Rangers or Canadian Forces?
No. There is absolutely no obligation for a Junior Canadian Ranger to join the Canadian Forces upon graduation. However many former Junior Canadian Rangers do choose to continue their involvement with the program by enrolling as a Canadian Ranger or volunteering with the Adult Committee after they graduate.
12. Who teaches the Junior Canadian Rangers?
Junior Canadian Rangers learn from a variety of qualified adult leaders in their local communities. Canadian Rangers are responsible for a portion of the training program, while local elders provide instruction in traditional and cultural activities. All Junior Canadian Ranger Instructors are carefully screened and selected based on their area of expertise and personal qualifications.
13. What do I need to do in order to join?
Contact the Junior Canadian Ranger Patrol Leaders in your community and let them know that you are interested in joining. Your parent or guardian must also sign a permission form before you can officially become a Junior Canadian Ranger.
14. How can I show my support for the Junior Canadian Ranger Programme?
By volunteering with the local patrol or writing letters to your Member of Parliament or local officials encouraging their support of this special youth program. You can also help spread public awareness of the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme by referring others to this web site and by leaving your comments in the Guest Book.
