Alberta Junior Forest Rangers

Hello! We are the Peace River crew, and we are having an incredible summer! ✨

We have completed several amazing projects so far, with more to come. One project that stands out is the Culture Camp with Paddle Prairie Metis Settlement. Our crew had an excellent experience teaching other youth a variety of skills and activities, including melon rolling, table building, bushcraft, Atlatl throwing, and tool use. Everyone on the crew had a chance to step up as a leader, challenge themselves, and share their knowledge with others.
It has been an awesome experience working with all of our project partners and learning so much about their careers and the forestry industry as a whole. Overall, it has been a 10/10 experience living on base and spending the summer together as a crew. We are all excited to continue the summer and see what other opportunities and experiences it has to offer. 😁

Meet the 2026 Calgary crew! 🌈🍀
From left to right: Amara, Autumn, Joséphine, Angel, Sarah, Avery, Madelynne, Carmen, Ava, and Alairiel!

It’s only been a couple of weeks, yet the Calgary crew has become a close-knit group of people!
Starting at HTC, the girls spent every waking moment together. They ate meals together, travelling to training, and spending afternoons learning to bachata. Many hours were spent attempting to convince other crews to create a mega table during meals- however, only during one meal was that goal accomplished.

After saying goodbye to everyone until Bull of the Woods, the Calgary crew started the long drive to the Gap. A large assortment of animals was spotted along the way, and the views were breathtaking. Arriving at the Gap, the girls immediately continued to foster their obsession with spike ball and prepared for their kayaking course the following weekend. They spent two days attempting to learn the basic moves of white-water kayaking, most of them made it out unscathed, except the stress levels of their leader Angel!

If you want to keep up with the Calgary Crew this summer, you can check out their video blogs here ➡
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPuut_ufsUDcCdJ2g2moWI-rBtzBlL56u&si=scQJFMUv7IOjbkIN

A huge thank you to the organizers, partners, and community members who made this event such a success!
Our Whitecourt/Fox Creek crew was excited to contribute to this FireSmart initiative and help reduce wildland fuels in the Goose Lake area. Every branch chipped and every yard cleaned helps build a safer, more wildfire-resilient community.🌿

A big thank you to everyone who participated in the Goose Lake Community Chipping Event this past weekend! 🪵🌲

To all our partners!
• Alberta Wildfire Crews
• Whitecourt/Fox Creek Alberta Junior Forest Rangers
• The Regional Community FireSmart Coordinator
• The Goose Lake Fire Hall for hosting the wind-up BBQ
• Blue Ridge Fire Department, for displaying the Sprinkler Protection Unit

Your expertise and partnership were instrumental in the success of reducing wildland fuels in the community. Strong regional FireSmart partnerships like these are essential to protecting our communities today and for the future.

Every branch chipped and every property cleaned up is another step toward reducing wildfire risk and protecting our homes, neighbourhoods, and forests.

👏 Thank you for doing your part to help keep Goose Lake safe!

Partnerships like these create unforgettable learning experiences for our crews!
Thank you to HSAR for welcoming the Hinton Crew to your training night and giving them the chance to learn about search and rescue operations through hands-on participation! 🌲🚁

Meet the 2026 Fox Creek/Whitecourt Crew! 🌲💚

The Whitecourt/Fox Creek Crew has been having an incredible summer while camping and working at Goose Lake. Throughout the week, we've been completing Fire Smart projects and trail maintenance while working alongside active forestry professionals. Having the opportunity to learn directly from experienced members of the forestry industry has given us valuable hands-on experience and a better understanding of the work that goes into protecting Alberta's forests and maintaining public recreation areas.
Living and working together at camp has also strengthened our teamwork. Whether we're tackling projects, learning new skills, or simply figuring out the best ways to survive the seemingly endless mosquitoes, every day has brought new experiences. We're proud of the work we've accomplished so far and are excited to continue learning and making a positive impact throughout the rest of the summer.

If you want to keep up with the Fox Creek Crew this summer, you can check out their video blogs here ➡ https://tinyurl.com/foxcreek26

Each week, crews recognize one member who goes above and beyond by demonstrating JFR's four Core Values: Honesty, Humility, Respect, and Bravery. These individuals are recognized for their exceptional teamwork, leadership, and dedication both on and off the project site.

This week, we're proud to highlight the following members for their outstanding commitment and hard work: "Big Ben" from our Fox Creek/Whitecourt Crew, and Autumn from our Calgary Crew! 👏✨

To recognize their achievements, we asked them a few questions about their experience with JFR, what motivates them, and what they've learned so far this season. Here's what they had to say! 👇

- What would you say to someone who is thinking about applying to the program?
Autumn: "Be ready for a lot of unpredictable and unexpected moments"
Big Ben: "Absolutely go for it, I'm only a week in and I have made so many memories and learned so much. An absolute 10/10 program."

To learn more about our highlighted members and read their full interviews, visit our website:
https://alis.alberta.ca/junior-forest-rangers/jiffers-of-the-week/

The 2026 JFR season is officially underway! 🌲

Training week was packed with learning, growth, and team building as crew members developed skills in wildfire techniques, hand tool safety, brushsaw operation, bushcraft, leadership, and professionalism.

Between training sessions, crews bonded through games, lake trips, trivia night, bachata lessons, workouts, and early morning runs.

A huge congratulations to all our crew members for stepping outside their comfort zones, supporting one another, and bringing positive energy every day. The season is off to a great start! 🔥

Meet our 2026 Leaders! 🌲✨
Each year, our leaders take part in extensive training to get ready for the season ahead. Throughout June, they’ve been putting in the work, planning their season and calendars with a mix of work and educational projects, building connections with project partners, attending additional training sessions, and getting everything ready to welcome their crew members!
To learn more about our 2026 leaders, you can read their bios on our website ➡️https://tinyurl.com/2026JFRLeaders

JFR Crew Member applications are open until April 1st, 2026, 23:59 MDT.
Don't miss your chance to have an awesome summer (or the deadline)!

Questions about the program? Check out our info session 👇https://www.youtube.com/live/a3b0_AygwGM

You can also visit our website www.AlbertaJFR.ca 🔥

Are you thinking about joining the JFR Program this summer?
Join us for our upcoming LIVE Info Session on YouTube!
Get the details, ask questions, and see if this opportunity is right for you.

📅Wednesday March 11th, 2026. 6PM (MST)
🔴www.youtube.com/

Mark your calendars and leave your questions in the comments!