Junior Ranger meeting in Schmiedefeld: Experience nature and network!

Junior Ranger meeting in Schmiedefeld: Experience nature and network!

Last weekend the 14th nationwide Junior Ranger meeting took place in Schmiedefeld. Almost 300 young nature lovers and their carers came together to make new friends and exchange their knowledge about nature in bright sunshine and summer temperatures. The event held by insuedthueringen.de was organized, brought together participants from 28 different biosphere reserves and national parks in Germany. Jörg Voßhage, the head of the UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve, was visibly proud of the successful organization of the meeting and the committed logistical support from local partners such as Rennsteiglauf GmbH, the Thuringian Environment Ministry, the THW and the city of Suhl.

This year's meeting, which spanned four days from June 12th to 15th, had the motto "Regionally Rooted. Globally Networked" with the aim of introducing young people to the beauty and diversity of nature. The junior rangers, who are active in the UNESCO Thuringian Forest Biosphere Reserve, received their “hat for the federal meeting” at the symbolic handover. This marked the official starting signal for the preparations. The hat was handed over by junior rangers from Hainich National Park, who took over this tradition at the last meeting in 2023, as explained on the biosphere reserve's website.

Diverse activities and networking

A varied program with many activities ensured everyone was in a good mood. Plans included a biosphere rally, a junior ranger cross-country race and a market of opportunities where regional players presented themselves. Nicole Ebser, who is responsible for the Junior Ranger program, emphasized the importance of exchange and togetherness during the meeting. This exchange not only promotes children and young people's identification with their homeland, but also enables them to gain new experiences in nature.

The junior rangers and rangers are committed to protecting nature and preserving biological diversity. In an exchange program, the junior rangers can pass on the knowledge they have learned to friends, families and school classes. Such programs have been an integral part of nature education in Germany for years. As Andreas Kieling, patron of the Junior Rangers, noted at an appointment event, networking with one another is an important aspect. He encouraged the young rangers to continue to get involved in nature and species conservation and to find like-minded people within the movement .

With 22 new junior rangers recently added to the series in the Eifel National Park, it is clear that there is great interest in nature and environmental protection. Many of these children and young people take part in regular tours in order to delve deeper into the subject and pass on their knowledge. A nationwide meeting also offers a platform to exchange experiences and ideas. Around 30 children are trained to become junior rangers every year, which underlines the commitment to these important nature projects.

Overall, the 14th Junior Ranger Meeting was a complete success and a further step in the important work of protecting nature and raising awareness among young people. It will be interesting to see what the next issue will bring!