AmeriCorps: Summer Youth Program

AmeriCorps youth leaders spend the summer living outdoors and leading youth in outdoor service projects. Each crew includes six youth led by two AmeriCorps members who supervise young people in a rigorous program of work, education and training.

AmeriCorps leaders are trained for three weeks, before youth join the program, at the program’s base camp in St. Croix State Park. After a week of youth orientation, AmeriCorps members lead youth on one- to three-week "spike" projects where crews camp in tents, prepare their own meals, and complete work projects. Projects may include volunteers and are completed in partnership with public agencies such as the Department of Natural Resources.

Service projects include trail construction and maintenance, foot bridge building, landscaping, campsite development, invasive species removal, and other projects that restore natural habitats and improve public access to outdoor recreation.

Members also lead educational activities during the work day and on evenings and weekends, along with recreational activities. Crew Leaders are responsible for encouraging the development of good work habits and basic skills such as work safety, environmental knowledge and “leave no trace” principles.

To be a Summer Youth Program leader, you must be 19 years or older with a desire and ability to:

Work hard and camp and live outdoors for extended periods during hot and cold weather, rain and other seasonal conditions.
Lead diverse youth in conservation, education and recreation and maintain discipline.
Foster strong work habits, environmental ethics, youth leadership and team unity.
Display a positive attitude and desire to make a difference with service and community work.

ASL interpreters are strongly encouraged to apply. Certification is preferred but not required. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of youth participants are deaf or hard of hearing.

Previous experience is not required in youth development or natural resource management; 15-20% of the service term is dedicated to technical and personal-skills training. A valid driver's license and good driving record is preferred.

Members receive training in youth leadership, civic engagement, natural resource management and other work and personal development skills. Members also receive a living stipend every two weeks ($580 to $660 depending on service level), health insurance and room and board, with limited time off during the program session. An AmeriCorps service term may fulfill internship requirements.

2010 program schedule:
Application deadline: March 26, 2010
Service term: June 2 – August 18, 2010 (with three weekends off including June 17-19, July 15-18 and one additional weekend as negotiated)