Program Objectives
The primary objectives of the PAL Ranger Program is to promote self-worth, self-esteem, and character building through positive experiences with law enforcement officials while learning about the environment. This program has proved successful by helping to detour youth from gangs, drugs, and violent crime situations through positive reinforcement and a reward system.
The program also provides youth ages 9-18 with outdoor educational experiences. These experiences deal with hand-on environmental education such as water, wildlife, forestry, ethics and stewardship and recreational facets of the environment such as water safety, SCUBA Diving, canoeing, fishing, hiking, caving, rock climbing, and camping skills. By creating positive outdoor experiences, participating youth can learn responsibility and ethics at a young age and create a positive attitude and sense of ownership and pride in the environment when they become adults.
The Ranger program is a tailor made program developed by former Officer Darin Archer of the NLRPD Public Housing Unit which provides environmental education field trips available for youth through out North Little Rock.
The main objectives of the PAL Ranger Program are:
 | To provide youth an opportunity to experience our wonderful environment which they would otherwise not have an opportunity to experience. |
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| To enhance appreciation of the natural world for living organisms. |
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| To nurture environmentally responsible attitudes, ethics, and behavior. |
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| To introduce students to Leadership Life Skills (such as: Communication, Decision Making, Management, Team Work) to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills. |
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| To develop a sense of community, belonging, and cooperation among the participants. |
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| To create self-worth and respect within the community and school allowing the youth to excel to their highest potential. |
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| to help youth understand the importance of having social skills and attitudes toward each other and adults. |