Small Rangers, Big Impact: Over $7 Million Raised to Support NWF
Today, we’re meeting the champion and runner-up of Colossal’s Inaugural Jr. Ranger competition. Hosted by American biologist and wildlife conservationist Jeff Corwin, the campaign unites thousands of young nature enthusiasts from far and wide, rallying around a passion for nature and a deep-rooted cause.
Side note: Voting is Open for the 2026 competition
As a result of this online fundraising campaign, $7,077,257 was raised to benefit National Wildlife Federation, delivered through our granting partner, DTCare. Their mission is to educate, inspire, and assist individuals and organizations from diverse cultures to conserve wildlife and other natural resources, and to protect the Earth's environment, in order to achieve a peaceful, equitable, and sustainable future.
Introducing the 2025 Jr. Ranger: Thomas
Hailing from the beautiful natural wonderland of Washington state, Thomas is a curious and creative kid with a passion for nature. His parents, Jamie and Matt, make it a priority to provide enriching outdoor experiences for their family. They love visiting National Parks and public lands together and encourage him to explore and investigate.
As a result, Thomas has quite an inquisitive mind. Jamie reports, “He asks big questions, thinks deeply, and loves turning ideas into projects.” Whether it’s fishing, hiking, or planning a butterfly garden, this Jr. Ranger is ready to put in the work. He loves any activity that gets him close to water and animals. His favorite wild animal is the king salmon. He loves their colors and is fascinated by their life cycle. He’s been lucky to see them up close in rivers in his home state.
Thomas is a natural-born Jr. Ranger. He spent his earliest years surrounded by trees, and his first steps were taken on moss in his wooded backyard. Living near Mount Rainier and Washington’s parks gave him access to trails, rivers, and wildlife, and that sense of wonder has only grown with him. For the future, he dreams of a healthy planet — one where forests, rivers, and oceans are thriving and he helps take care of them.
Follow Thomas and his family’s adventures on Instagram: @smoltadventures
And Let’s Talk About Callan, the Runner-Up Who Is Also a Little Champ
Jr. Ranger Callan comes from Wyoming, known for its stunning landscapes, iconic national parks, and abundant wildlife. It is no surprise that this environment fostered a passion for the outdoors. Callan’s parents, Caleb and Emily, nurture this love by encouraging him to follow his passions of hiking, skiing, and natural history.
Dad says, “He is learning all about how the world was created, how to take care of our Earth and those who live on it. He has loved taking on the role of Jr. Ranger, just like his uncle Jeremiah, who works at the Grand Canyon.” If you ask Callan, the best part of the adventure is making new friends, exploring new places, and discovering more about dinosaurs.
It’s safe to say that the mountains call to Callan. From the very start, his parents took him on many hikes throughout Wyoming, strapped in the carrier. As soon as he could walk, he started making his own way on the trails. However, his favorite way to travel has quickly become skiing! He started learning at just two years old in the front yard and continued to the mountains the following year. He is so excited about ski school in the winter season. According to his parents, he takes after his grandpa, Baba, the most. The two love hiking, skiing, and, together, giving his grandma, Nuni, more grey hairs!
Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center: The Ultimate Experience
Part of the 2025 Jr. Ranger experience included photo and learning opportunities at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center. In addition to seeing a diverse group of mammals at this colorful conservation, the boys got to meet with Jeff Corwin and learn first-hand from the famous biologist!
The new friends posed for pics to be featured in Ranger Rick, where Thomas also served as a guest editor, selecting the animal artworks featured in the spring issue. As a special surprise, Ranger Rick himself came out to meet Thomas and Callan, and the two excitedly ran over to hug him.
“My husband and I grew up reading Ranger Rick, so this feels nostalgic to share with Thomas,” Jamie says. “We love that the competition connects kids to conservation and nature through fun, hands-on challenges.” Everyone, from the lovely staff at Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center to Colossal team members, loved seeing these Jr. Rangers experience these moments together alongside their families. They came face to face with all kinds of foxes, deer, coyotes, bears, and Callan’s favorite animal, mountain lions!
What could be in store for the 2026 Junior Ranger? Follow along @jrrangerofficial and visit jr-ranger.org to learn more about the competition!
