Learners between the ages of 12 and 18 who have a passion for nature and conservation and an interest in making a difference as part of an eco-volunteer organisation, are invited to join the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHRs) Junior Rangers programme in 2026.

Junior Honorary Rangers (JHR) is the “youth branch” of the SANParks Honorary Rangers, the official SANParks volunteer organisation.

There are many advantages to joining the JHR programme, such as gaining a broader understanding of environmental issues, learning about South Africa’s national parks, learning how to identify plants and animals and developing initiative, observation, planning, leadership and teamwork skills.

The East Rand JHRs recently celebrated the end of a successful year with a prizegiving ceremony.
Certificates were awarded to all who completed their 2025 phase work and a “reminiscent treasure hunt” provided a fun challenge to reinforce themes learned throughout the year.

ALSO READ: Call for young volunteers to join honorary rangers programme

2025 has been a busy and exciting year for the group, starting with a camp in the Marakele National Park, where exciting lion and rhino sightings were enjoyed, and teams explored the topic of climate change and how we can change our behaviours to provide solutions.

The highlight of the year was spending a night in the Ditsong Museum of Natural History. Unlike the movie Night at the Museum, the exhibits did not come to life – but sleeping amidst the exhibits provided ample adventure, as did a guided tour and “treasure hunt”.

Other highlights included a trip to Bolt’s Farm in the Cradle of Humankind, a bird watching hike in the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve and an informative talk on poaching and anti-poaching efforts.

ALSO READ: Teens invited to play their part in protecting SA’s national parks

How to join

Applications to join ERJHRs are now open. The JHR facilitator for the East Rand group, Carmin Mohr, said, “If conservation is close to your heart, this programme could prepare you for further studies and career choices in this field.”

The course consists of five phases, with a certificate awarded for each phase successfully completed.

Meetings are held monthly to complete the phase work or, periodically, to go on outings.

“Junior Honorary Rangers often take a leading role in conservation clubs and environmental projects in their schools and communities and are encouraged to visit national parks,” said Mohr.

To find out more about the JHRs, visit the SANParks Honorary Rangers website – www.sanparksvolunteers.org.

To join the East Rand group of Junior Honorary Rangers, contact Carmin Mohr at 078 144 3034 or Alison Coppin at [email protected] ERJHRs

JHR is the junior branch of the SANParks Honorary Rangers (SHRs), which has been in existence for more than 50 years and is represented in 34 regions across South Africa.

The junior group of dedicated youngsters are an integral branch of the SHRs and support their strategic objectives of being a world-class eco-volunteer organisation.

There are many advantages to joining the JHR programme.

Among these are being able to put many environmental-related issues into perspective, being involved in conservation activities, getting to know the different national parks managed by SANParks, learning how to identify plants and animals and also developing observation, leadership, teamwork and initiative skills.

Also, if conservation is something close to your heart, this programme could prepare you for further studies and career choices in this field.

The year-long course consists of five phases and a Phase certificate is issued based on certain criteria being met.

Meetings are held monthly or as frequently as possible between members working on their phases.

JHRs can take a leading role in conservation clubs and environmental projects in their schools and communities and will also be encouraged to visit national parks.

While the juniors are also involved in certain Senior Corps activities, they meet on their own and follow their own programme.

Follow SANParks Honorary Rangers on Facebook and look out for their next call for volunteers to join the ERJHRs.