Overview
The Junior Canadian Ranger Programme offers young people in remote and isolated communities across Canada a unique opportunity to participate in a variety of fun and rewarding activities in a formal setting. Under the supervision of the Canadian Rangers, these young Canadians (ages 12 to 18) become active and engaged citizens of their local communities.
There are currently more than 3,400 Junior Canadian Rangers in 125 remote and isolated communities across Canada.
Junior Canadian Rangers are easily recognized by their striking green sweatshirts, ball caps and huge smiles.
Vision
In a dynamic and learning partnership, the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme strives to strengthen remote and isolated Canadian communities through an altruistic, responsible and practical youth programme that embraces culture and tradition, promotes healthy living and positive self-image, and reflects the proud military legacy of the Canadian Rangers.
Aim
The aim of the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme is to provide a structured youth programme, which promotes traditional cultures and lifestyles, in remote and isolated communities of Canada.
Objectives
The objectives of the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme are:
- To impart community traditional skills;
- To impart life skills; and
- To impart Ranger skills.
About the Junior Canadian Rangers
- While visiting Canadian Ranger patrols, Canadian Forces members perceived a need to provide meaningful activities for young people in isolated communities. This idea gave birth to the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme, which was officially launched in 1996.
- The aim of the Junior Canadian Rangers Programme is to promote traditional cultures and lifestyles by offering a variety of structured activities to young people living in remote and isolated communities.
- Junior Canadian Rangers participate in a variety of activities, including those that focus on ranger skills, traditional skills and life skills.
- There are approximately 3,400 Junior Canadian Rangers in 119 remote and isolated communities across Canada. Many of these youth are Aboriginal and speak a language other than English or French.
- Junior Canadian Rangers are between the ages of 12 and 18, and wear a green sweatshirt and ball cap as their uniform. They are not members of the Canadian Forces.
- There are Junior Canadian Rangers in every province and territory except for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
- Junior Canadian Rangers are taught by qualified Canadian Rangers with the assistance of adult volunteers and other members of the Canadian Forces.
- The Junior Canadian Rangers Programme has been credited with providing a safe, positive alternative to "at-risk" youth in remote and isolated communities across the country.
- The Junior Canadian Rangers Programme is funded by the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Forces with assistance from Indian and Northern Affairs Canada. Junior Canadian Rangers also benefit from additional funding and support from other levels of government and private corporations.
- Junior Canadian Rangers are bright, capable, young members of their communities who are interested in improving themselves and helping their fellow citizens.
