Olympic National Park announced last week the kickoff of Ocean Stewards, an addition to the park’s Junior Ranger program.

Ocean Stewards is a free, self-guided program for families and children ages 4 and older.

Like the original Olympic National Park Junior Ranger program, Ocean Stewards is designed to be a fun and hands-on way for children to learn about the web of life within the park and how to explore safely as well as understand how they can help protect the park.

“For many of our youngest visitors, a trip to the park is not complete without earning their Junior Ranger badge,” park superintendent Sarah Creachbaum said. “I am thrilled that we are able to offer this new opportunity for them explore even more, learn about the park’s amazing and diverse coastal ecosystem and earn a very cool Ocean Steward’s patch.”

The program includes a hands-on activity booklet that was designed and authored by park staff. The booklet is full of activities and information about the coastal ecosystem of Olympic National Park.

Booklets are available at park visitor centers and ranger stations throughout the park and online at www.nps.gov/olym/forkids/beajuniorranger.htm.

Upon completion of the booklet, children can earn a unique Ocean Stewards patch.