AmeriCorps: Summer Youth Corps Leaders
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. 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 Corps leader, 
you must be at least 19 years old 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 15-20% of youth participants are deaf or hard of hearing. Interpreters also serve as Crew Leaders during the summer and have the opportunity to foster positive relationships between deaf and hearing members of their crew.
Previous experience in youth development or natural resource management is not required but prefered; 15-20% of the service term is dedicated to technical and personal-skills training. A valid driver's license and good driving record is required.
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 ($1210 per month) health insurance, food and lodging, and may be eligible for an Americorps Education Award ($2,775). An AmeriCorps service term may fulfill internship requirements.
2013 program schedule:
Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2013 service term.
Check out our Youth Crew Member Handbook for additional information about the youth corps. Information in this handbook is geared towards 15- to 18-year-old youth who apply for the 4-week programs.
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