Hugh Ehlers, 5, is a fan of T-ball, taekwondo, bald eagles, really all animals, eating hail and stomping in puddles made after a rainstorm while camping with his family. 

Now, this precocious Powellite is in the running as a quarterfinalist in the National Junior Ranger program put on by the National Wildlife Federation. 

The winner will appear in a Ranger Rick magazine, receive $20,000 and go on an animal experience with star wildlife conservationist, Disney Channel and Animal Planet star Jeff Corwin. 

"He is mostly interested in the animal experience, getting to meet new animals and learn about them," mom Paige said. 

As Paige describes in part in his bio, Hugh "loves simply being outside, learning new things, seeing new things and getting to touch things. Such as a fish when he catches it. Using his eyes to spot bugs and animals. He enjoys watching rainstorms roll in to our campsite and showing his sisters how to eat hail and stomp in puddles."

He is also a big part of family tent camping trips, learning to help set up the tent, spot animal tracks, collecting firewood, listening to birds, using his multitool and, of course, finding mud puddles to splash in. 

To check out his full profile and support him, visit jr-ranger.org/2026/hugh-6224.