AmeriCorps: Youth Outdoors Leaders
Youth Outdoors AmeriCorps members lead crews of Saint Paul and Minneapolis youth, ages 15-18, in environmental education and community service projects afterschool and Saturdays during fall and spring school semesters and a four-week summer session. Each crew includes six youth led by two AmeriCorps members. In addition to completing environmental restoration projects, education curriculum is taught that helps youth build practical skills, connect to the natural environment, become active citizens and prepare for meaningful careers. The program focuses on youth development and job training, with environmental conservation as a learning vehicle. While not leading youth, corps members also perform natural resource management projects on a crew with other young adult AmeriCorps members.
Youth Outdoors leaders supervise and motivate a crew of young people in a program of work, education and training. Members are responsible for maintaining discipline and fostering a positive crew morale, teamwork and adherence to program goals and mission.
While not leading youth, members will be part of an AmeriCorps field crew that involves physically-challenging, team-oriented outdoor service projects while learning about the environment and networking with natural resource professionals. Projects sites are located throughout the state, including urban settings and extreme wilderness. Service work is performed almost exclusively outdoors and may involve camping for several days at a time.
Corpsmembers receive training in youth leadership, civic engagement, natural resource management and personal development skills. Corpsmembers also receive training and complete various conservation projects such as tree planting, prairie restoration, streambank stabilization, GPS/GIS mapping, wildlife surveys, carpentry/construction, timber stand improvement, lakeshore restoration, erosion control, trail construction and maintenance, exotic species management and wildlife habitat improvement.
Program schedule
Youth leadership ― fall and spring school semesters (11 weeks each)
Tuesdays 1:30-7 p.m.; Thursdays 2:30 - 8 p.m. and Saturdays 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
AmeriCorps field crews ― fall and spring school semesters (11 weeks each)
Wednesdays 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Fridays, 7:30a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (in addition to youth leadership hours) for a total of 40 hours per week (schedules may vary).
AmeriCorps field crews ― between school semesters (Approximately 3 months over summer):
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I Can Camp! crews: Wednesday - Sunday, overnights
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Field crews: Tuesday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., 40 hours per week
Youth Outdoors AmeriCorps members receive a monthly living allowance ($1,210 to $1,565 depending on service level), health insurance, student loan forbearance, personal protective equipment and paid training. a monthly living allowance, health insurance, student loan forbearance, personal protective equipment and paid training. Upon completing the program year with 1,700 hours of service, members are eligible for an AmeriCorps post-service education award of $5,550, which can be used to pay college or qualified student loan expenses. Members will have the opportunity to explore career options within the environmental field and to coordinate and complete a week-long service project of their choosing.
Applicants for AmeriCorps Youth Outdoors positions must be 18-25 years old with the desire and ability to:
- Work hard in an outdoor setting in adverse conditions for a minimum of 40 hours/week.
- Work with diverse youth in conservation, education and recreation settings.
- 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.
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.
Service Term:
Crew Leader: 2/4/2013 - 12/13/2013
Crew Member: 2/18/2013 - 12/13/2013
Applications are no longer being accepted for the 2013 service year.
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