The Junior Ranger

When we arrived at the visitor's center at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park yesterday, one of the park rangers asked Tes if she would be interested in becoming a junior park ranger. Her eyes lit up like the Fourth of July. He handed her a coloring book and some crayons, and instructed her to color each page as she observed what it depicted in the park. Then, before we left, we were to return the booklet to get her ranger badge. Tessie was beyond excited.

When we woke up this morning it was foggy and wet. There was a fine mist hanging in the air, and the wetness crept up on us. One minute we were dry, and the next we were soaked. We didn't let it stop us from exploring a lava tube, however, and Tes lead the way, invigorated by the rain forest around her. She asked questions and soaked up new information like a sponge. It was like watching someone fall in love.

After we decided that we'd had enough hiking in the rain, we headed back to the visitor's center to get Tessie's badge. Nick and Christian waited in the car, as we girls went inside. There were hoards of tourists surrounding the rangers, so we had to wait for a while until we were noticed. Tes was so patient, I looked down at her holding her little booklet, and filled with pride. When the park ranger saw her he motioned her over to his desk and took her booklet, going through each page and asking questions about what she had seen. Although Tes got a little shy, she answered most questions quietly, looking to me for a few answers. She told him about seeing the lava the night before, and her excitement was obvious. The ranger then filled out a certificate with her name, and have her an official junior ranger badge. Tes practically vibrated with excitement as I pinned it to her sweater. He then asked her to raise her right hand, which she did enthusiastically, and repeat after him. After I sat next to her and whispered along with her she repeated, "I, Tessie Streit, promise to leave only footprints and take only pictures. I promise to continue to learn, and to share what I learn with others." The ranger then announced her over the intercom as the newest member if the junior ranger team. Everyone in the visitor's center clapped, Tessie just grinned, and I thought I had never seen anything so beautiful.