Junior ACORNS

What do Junior ACORNS do?

Junior ACORNS attend programs led by trained volunteers and Parks staff. Participants earn points by attending programs, completing volunteer projects, exploring the parks and taking part in ACORNS activities. At the end of the year, Junior ACORNS are invited to a celebration at the Interpretive Nature Center.

How do I become a Junior ACORN?

Complete the Junior ACORNS registration form on this page. Parents and guardians are welcome to help their child complete the form.

When are the 2026 Junior ACORNS programs?

• Saturday, March 14: Orientation and Trail Ranger Training
• Saturday, April 18: Wildlife and Animal Stewardship
• Saturday, May 23: Black Creek Day
• Saturday, June 27: Aquatic Ecosystems at DeWitt Recreation Area
• Saturday, August 22: Native Species at the Outdoor Learning Center
• Saturday, September 19: Back to School Hike
• Saturday, October 17: Wilderness First Aid
• Saturday, December 12: End of the Year Celebration

Do I need to attend every Junior ACORNS program?

No. Attendance at every program is not required. The goal for each Junior ACORN is to earn 50 points during 2026. Points can be earned by attending Junior ACORNS programs, volunteering at the parks, participating in ACORNS events or attending other Parks programs.

What is the program fee?

The Junior ACORNS program fee is $25 per child. The fee covers all Junior ACORNS programs. Participants also receive a hat, snacks during programs and a coupon to attend a free Parks program.

Several Junior ACORNS programs are scheduled throughout 2026. Attendance at all programs is not required.

• Saturday, March 14: Orientation and Trail Ranger Training
• Saturday, April 18: Wildlife and Animal Stewardship
• Saturday, May 23: Black Creek Day
• Saturday, June 27: Aquatic Ecosystems at DeWitt Recreation Area
• Saturday, August 22: Native Species at the Outdoor Learning Center
• Saturday, September 19: Back to School Hike
• Saturday, October 17: Wilderness First Aid
• Saturday, December 12: End of the Year Celebration

Junior ACORNS programs are held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and meet at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Nature Center unless otherwise noted. Snacks are provided.

A parent or guardian must accompany Junior ACORNS for the entire program. At least one adult is required for every five youth.

Participants do not need to attend every program. The goal is to earn 50 points during the year by attending Junior ACORNS programs, volunteering at the parks, participating in ACORNS events or attending other Parks programs.

Since 2006, the Association for the Conservation of Recreational and Natural Spaces, Inc. (ACORNS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has provided financial and volunteer support to Genesee County Parks. The organization connects people with nature through outdoor learning, exploration and fun.

The goal for each Junior ACORN is to earn 50 points in 2026. Points can be earned by attending Junior ACORNS programs, volunteering at the parks, participating in ACORNS events or attending other Parks programs.