**RECORD-BREAKING BROTHERS SHATTER NPS JUNIOR RANGER RECORD: 171 BADGES AND COUNTING!**
In a jaw-dropping display of dedication, determination, and utter obsession with national parks, 12-year-old Max and 10-year-old Mason Jenkins have become the youngest siblings to collect an astonishing 171 NPS Junior Ranger badges.
The brothers from Colorado embarked on their badge-collecting quest two years ago and have been crisscrossing the country, visiting an unprecedented 57 national parks, monuments, and historic sites. Their odyssey has taken them to iconic destinations like Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, as well as lesser-known gems like the Gateway Arch and the Statue of Liberty.
“We just wanted to see how many badges we could get,” said Max, sporting a proud grin. “We didn’t realize we’d actually break the record!”
Their impressive collection includes:
* 42 badges from national parks, including:
+ 5 from the Rocky Mountains (they even spotted a bear!)
+ 7 from the Grand Canyon (they hiked down into the canyon and back up again… twice!)
+ 10 from Yellowstone (they saw Old Faithful erupt three times!)
* 27 badges from national monuments, including:
+ 4 from the Statue of Liberty (they even took a ferry to Liberty Island)
+ 5 from Mount Rushmore (they posed with the presidents)
* 45 badges from national historic sites, including:
+ 8 from the Alamo (they learned how to make a mean Tex-Mex taco)
+ 10 from the Wright Brothers National Memorial (they built their own model airplanes)
Their parents, Mark and Sarah, have been supporting their sons’ quest, driving them to various destinations and even homeschooling them on the road. “We’re just amazed by their enthusiasm and energy,” said Sarah. “We’ve seen them go from wide-eyed wonder to expert NPS trivia buffs in just two short years!”
The Jenkins brothers have also developed a system to keep track of their badges, using a custom-made spreadsheet and a colorful display on their bedroom wall. “It’s like a treasure map of America,” said Mason.
The Guinness World Records adjudicator has verified the brothers’ achievement, and they are now officially recognized as the youngest siblings to collect 171 NPS Junior Ranger badges.
When asked what’s next for the brothers, Max exclaimed, “We’re going for 200 badges, of course! We’re already planning our next trip to visit the national parks in Hawaii and Alaska!”
As for Mason, he’s just happy to have such an awesome brother to share the adventure with. “We’re like two peas in a pod, except one pea is a little bit taller and a little bit cooler,” he said with a grin.
**STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES ON THE JENKINS BROTHERS’ RECORD-BREAKING ADVENTURES!**
