Scottish Countryside Ranger’s Association Scottish Junior Ranger Award

Why this award?

There's something special about learning outdoors, discovering what you're capable of and knowing you've made a difference.

The Scottish Junior Ranger Award gives young people aged 11–18 the opportunity to turn these experiences into a recognised achievement.

Junior Rangers learn by doing. Depending on their programme, they might help restore habitats, survey wildlife, develop navigation and outdoor skills, explore natural and cultural heritage, support events or discover the variety of careers involved in caring for our countryside.

But the benefits go far beyond the practical skills they learn. Along the way, young people can grow in confidence, develop friendships, learn to work as a team, take responsibility and discover that their contribution matters. 

Depending on their programme, young people may also have opportunities to learn from countryside rangers and other environmental professionals, gaining insights into their work and the different ways people care for our natural and cultural heritage.

The Scottish Junior Ranger Award recognises and celebrates their learning, skills and achievements. Young people who successfully complete the Award can also progress to the Scottish Junior Ranger Leadership Award, taking on greater responsibility, supporting others and continuing to develop their skills.

Who is it for?

The Scottish Junior Ranger Award is for young people aged 11–18 who are taking part in a registered SCRA Junior Ranger Programme. 

Young people do not need existing knowledge of nature or countryside skills to take part. Junior Rangers is about getting involved, trying new things, learning from others and building knowledge, skills and experience along the way.

Junior Ranger Programmes can be delivered by ranger services, schools, charities and community organisations, with the flexibility to shape activities around the young people, local environment and resources available.

What time commitment is required?

Junior Ranger Programmes are flexible and there is no single delivery model. Young people might meet regularly throughout the year, take part through a school programme, or complete a more concentrated programme over several days or weeks.

Young people should expect to complete approximately 36 hours of Junior Ranger activity to be able to achieve the Scottish Junior Ranger Award. This gives them time to take part in a varied programme of practical activities and experiences and develop the knowledge and skills required for the Award.

Is the award externally accredited?

The Scottish Junior Ranger Award is an internally accredited award. 

Young people work towards a range of competencies through their Junior Ranger activities and provide evidence of their learning and experience. Their achievement is assessed within their Junior Ranger Programme in accordance with SCRA guidance.

Young people who successfully complete the Award receive their Scottish Junior Ranger Award certificate. Organisations can also choose to purchase an optional badge for the young person to recognise their achievement.

More details about the Programme and the Awards are in the SCRA .Toolkit for Junior Ranger Group Leader: