GOLDTHWAITE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As his name suggests, 11-year-old Trooper is a true outdoor enthusiast — and he’s currently in the semifinals to become a Junior Ranger, appear in Ranger Rick magazine, and win $20,000.

Trooper spends most of his time exploring the woods around his hometown of Goldthwaite. Whether he’s carving a fish hook, starting a campfire, or building a lean-to shelter, this environmentally conscious kid knows his way around nature.

He’s currently in 2nd place in the semifinal round of the Junior Ranger competition. If he advances, he’ll have a chance to be featured in Ranger Rick and compete for the grand prize. Trooper says if he wins, he plans to donate part of the prize money to a good cause.

You can support Trooper by voting here. This round ends tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. our time). He must be in first place to move on to the final 16 in the national competition. The top vote-getter in that next round will be crowned the overall winner.

Learn more about Trooper:

What does Trooper love most about nature?

Trooper has a deep love for the outdoors. He’s fascinated by survival skills, constantly perfecting his shelter-building skills or using a ferro rod to start a fire when we are camping. He gets excited about identifying plants and tracking animals, his eyes sharp for every detail in nature. His curiosity drives him to explore, ask questions, and immerse himself in the wild. Whether he’s studying animal tracks or listening for birds, he feels at home in the great outdoors.

What is Trooper’s favorite animal—and why?

Trooper loves the wolverine. He is drawn to them for their tenacity and fierceness. Wolverines are able to take down prey much larger than themselves. They are tough and adaptable, allowing them to travel long distances, run speeds up to 30mph, and stand up to predators such as wolves and bears.

What is Trooper’s favorite outdoor activity?

Trooper truly comes alive in the outdoors. Whether he’s striking a ferro rod to start a fire, carving a hook to catch dinner, or crafting a lean-to shelter, he thrives in the wild. Trooper’s favorite thing about being outdoors is his sense of self-reliance as adventure fuels him, and every moment spent in nature feels like a deeper connection to the world around him. It’s not just about survival – it’s about finding peace, joy, and purpose in every skill he masters and every challenge he faces.