Junior Rangers
The STINAPA Bonaire Junior Ranger Program was started in 2009 and is for youth between 13 and 21 years old. It is an intensive year round program exploring nature in an outdoor setting.

The mission of the Junior Ranger Program is to develop in the young people of Bonaire an appreciation for nature and the environment. The program of out-of-school nature education is to help teenagers develop knowledge and understanding of nature and its conservation, environmental problems, and to create teenage role models who develop leadership skills combined with critical thinking and problem solving.
Any of Bonaire’s youth between the ages of 13 and 21 can join the Junior Ranger Program and no prior knowledge or skills are required. The program is year round with a weekly lecture and a Saturday morning nature focussed activity. Everyone starts as an Aspirant and each year you move up a rank up to Commander. This happens during an official graduation at the end of the school year where each Junior Ranger receives their new rank and a certificate for their achievements. From the second year onwards, Junior Rangers also start their PADI dive training as a reward for active participation.
Usually in June, at the end of the school year is the graduation ceremony and after the summer holidays the new Junior Ranger year starts. This is also when the new Aspirants enter the program who are recruited throughout the year. Most teens entering the program are between the ages of 12 and 13. In May, all teens and their parents that expressed an interest in the program throughout the year are invited to receive more information and officially sign up for the STINAPA Bonaire Junior Ranger Program.

Here is what a typical week looks like in the Junior Ranger Program.
Examples of what we learn and what we do: hiking, reef restoration, caving, greenhouse, SCUBA diving and snorkeling, science, gardening, debating, coastal and underwater clean-ups, microscopy, tree replanting, bird watching, kayaking, fish ID and meet like-minded youth.
Are you interested in becoming a Junior Ranger or do you want to learn more?
Detailed information can be downloaded here: “The STINAPA Bonaire Junior Ranger Program – a detailed program overview”
or email your questions directly to nme@stinapa.org
Are you 18+, love our local nature yourself and are interested in becoming a Junior Ranger volunteer?
Please contact our NME team by sending an email to nme@stinapa.org