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Growing boys learn about growing trees. One or the objectives of the program is seen in the acquisition of new skills and a knowledge of conservation.

PARK DISTRICT BOY RANGERS

By
Ned Bell

THE END OF summer marked the successful completion of a three year trial program conducted by the Naperville Park District. Initiated in 1970, the Boys Ranger Force has accomplished many objectives. Some can be seen by the attractiveness of many parks, facilities, and through other projects that have been completed. Others are not so readily apparent. It is difficult to measure growth in attitudes and experience, but many objectives of the program have been met.

The Ranger Force is a group of twenty-five boys ranging in age from fourteen to sixteen years. Any boy residing within the Park District's boundaries who was fourteen years of age by June 1st, and not over seventeen by September 1st was eligible. Only twenty-five are hired each summer but many more apply, thus it is an honor for the boy to be selected as a member of the force.

The boys work half days for a six week period. They are supervised by a physical education coach from the local high school, and by park district division crews.

Benefits include a remuneration of twenty dollars per week, a swimming pass, free admittance to teen dances, and other organized recreational activities. All rangers are covered by insurance under Workmen's Compensation and by the Park District liability policy. Due to the nature of the program, boys are required to wear hard hats furnished by the Park District.

The work/recreation program concept gives opportunity for an experience that many young men do not usually have. The Rangers go through a planned employment procedure that begins with filling out an application for employment. They must apply for a social security card, fill out a federal and state tax deduction form, and acquire a work permit. Before being hired, each applicant is interviewed by the coordinator.

In addition to learning employment procedures, care of equipment, work skills, and participating in recreational activities, the Park District Ranger learns his obligation as a public employee. He becomes cognizant that his attitude, his appearance, and his conduct is constantly being observed by the public.

Program Objectives

Objectives of the program are designed primarily with the Ranger in mind. As in many other endeavors in life, the accomplishments and success gained is determined often by what is put into it. The following list of objectives are helpful toward the motivation of realizing goals for every boy.

1. To help young men develop a positive attitude toward their participation in work.

2. To help improve the park system and to instill an appreciation of the natural environment.

Ned Bell is Administrative Assistant for the Naperville Park District.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 4 November/December, 1972



Improving the park system is one of the goals attained by the Boys Ranger Force. An appreciation of the natural environment is gained through their experience.


Who ever thought it would be fun to pick up glass and debris? Rangers learn to enjoy working together in many facets of the program.

3. To foster an appreciation of the values of clean wholesome recreational activitiesand proper utilization of leisure time.

4. To offer young men an opportunity to earn money for their own endeavors.

5. To assist in developing a sense of responsibility and loyalty to their employer.

6. To acquire new skills in work and a knowledge of conservation.

7. To provide opportunities of leadership experiences.

8. To provide outlets for individual self-expression.

The boys have had a fun-filled summer, and they also worked hard while doing it. They picked up rocks, trimmed bushes, dug around trees, edged lawns and gardens, painted, cut brush, cleaned parks, moved stones, and even helped the Garden Club at Martin Mitchell Museum. They completed some new projects too. Although these tasks are certainly not glamorous, they were accomplished together and in a spirit of pride and good will. The boys feel rewarded upon completion of the Ranger Program . . . and Naperville does too!!

Illinois Parks and Recreation 6 November/December, 1972


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