Creating the Resiliency Ranger Workbook

The Resiliency Ranger Workbook was created as an integral component of the Resiliency Ranger program. This significant project was brought to life by Visual Information Specialist, Kendall Bessette, whose internship with the American Conservation Experience (ACE) provided the opportunity to develop this essential educational resource.

The Challenge of Creating a Workbook for Resiliency

What initially seemed like a straightforward design project turned into a comprehensive endeavor for Kendall. She had the opportunity to engage deeply in the conceptual phase, collaborating with the park’s Superintendent, her supervisor, and Anna Mueller, Senior Research Program Leader at the Irsay Institute. Together, they identified middle school students as the primary audience for the workbook. This age group is at a critical juncture in their development, where mental health issues can start to emerge.

Kendall also consulted with Jennifer Daniels, who leads Suicide Prevention in Mesa County. Jennifer provided invaluable insights into the existing mental health curriculum within District 51 and how best to appeal to middle schoolers when discussing mental health and wellness. The park and Kendall reached out to school counselors and therapists across District 51, inviting them to share their thoughts and suggestions for the workbook during a video call.

Bringing the Resiliency Ranger Workbook to Life

Armed with this valuable input, Kendall began the creative process. She wrote and revised activities based on the conceptual discussions and developed three possible visual identities for the workbook. Knowing that kids are often drawn to nostalgic styles, Kendall explored design trends from the early 90s, late 90s/early 2000s, and her unique design sensibilities. To ensure the workbook resonated with its intended audience, she even created a poll for school counselors to share with students, helping to identify the preferred visual style and characters..

The students gravitated towards the early 90s design (A) and one of the characters (2). This information guided Kendall in her design and illustration process. She carefully crafted each illustration, selecting cool, analogous colors—blue, green, and purple—to contrast with the warm hues of the monument’s landscape featured throughout the booklet. View the video below to see the process.

Collaboration and Community Impact

Kendall’s hard work culminated in presenting the workbook to the Mesa County Suicide Prevention Coalition, where it was warmly received. Kendall made the last few adjustments to the workbook and prepared it for printing as the internship came to an end.

Beyond the workbook, Kendall contributed to updating visual guides for the Saddlehorn Campground. Which required revamping them to communicate information more clearly and efficiently. You can see her work firsthand by visiting the Saddlehorn Campground Information kiosk.

Looking Forward

Kendall’s internship wrapped up with the successful completion of the Resiliency Ranger Workbook. Available soon in District 51 schools and beyond. We are incredibly grateful for Kendall’s outstanding work, greatly benefiting the Colorado National Monument and the Resiliency Ranger program.

We wish Kendall all the best in her future endeavors and extend a big thank you for her contributions.

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Interested in supporting internships at Colorado National Monument? Reach out via email to CNMA’s Executive Director, Johanna van Waveren.