Parks Victoria runs Junior Rangers through paces at Serendip Sanctuary

PARKS Victoria has teamed up with an autism support organisation to run a special edition of their popular Junior Ranger program.

Junior Rangers at Serendip Sactuary, including Charlotte Le Fauchur, meet a bearded dragon. Picture: Alison Wynd

PARKS Victoria has teamed up with an autism support organisation to run a special edition of their popular Junior Ranger program.

About 15 children of all abilities took part in the inclusive program yesterday at Lara’s Serendip Sanctuary.

Support organisation Amaze — working in conjunction with Parks Victoria — developed “social scripts” to assist the children become more comfortable and enjoy their experience at the park.

A social script is a resource for children on the spectrum that uses photographs and simple text to show them what they might see and experience during a visit to a park.

Parks Victoria education officer Vanessa Wiggenraad said it was important to teach children the importance of looking after the environment.

“We’re committed to making our parks and reserves accessible to people of all ages and abilities — which we did today, with help from Amaze, the peak body for people on the autism spectrum and their supporters,” she said.

“You’re never too young to appreciate the environment, to learn about our special plants and animals and why it’s so important that they’re protected.”

Parks Victoria’s Junior Ranger program allows children of the local community the chance to explore the state’s diverse parks with a real park ranger to educate them about the local environment.

Originally published as Parks Victoria runs Junior Rangers through paces at Serendip Sanctuary