NYSCamp

Apply to attend the National Youth Science Camp – http://apply.nyscamp.org

• The deadline to apply to attend the 2020 NYSCamp is February 28, 2020.
• 2020 NYSCamp Start Date: June 22, 2020
• 2020 NYSCamp End Date: July 15, 2020
• State Selection Coordinators

The National Youth Science Camp (NYSCamp) is a residential science education program for young STEM enthusiasts the summer after they graduate from high school. Students from around the country (two are selected to represent each state and Washington, D.C.) are challenged academically in exciting lectures and hands-on studies, and have voluntary opportunities to participate in an outdoor adventure program, gain a new and deep appreciation for the great outdoors, and establish friendships that last a lifetime. Students who are selected will attend the NYSCamp FREE of charge.

Goals:

• Inspire lifelong engagement and ethical leadership in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related fields among delegates, who possess recognized high potential for follow-through and success.
• Provide engaged learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related professions that extend and enhance the traditional K-12 school curriculum.
• Develop a robust network among delegates, members of the program staff, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics professionals reinforced through community and shared experiences.
• Encourage participants to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and related professions through an increased awareness and understanding of current education, research, and career opportunities.
• Create a safe environment for expanding delegates’ comfort zones with scientific and cultural aspects of the natural world through outdoor adventure activities.

Major Program Elements:

• Academic Program: The NYSCamp program includes lectures from nationally-recognized STEM professionals, small-group directed studies guided by STEM professionals, directed overnighters that usually include a field trip to a STEM site, and informal seminars presented by NYSCamp staph.
• Outdoor Program: The NYSCamp outdoor program includes optional opportunities to go backpacking, caving, kayaking, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
• Special Events: The NYSCamp includes several surprise special events.
• Trip to Washington, DC: The NYSCamp delegation visits Washington, DC.

The National Youth Science Camp program is strengthened through a philosophy that encourages delegates to experience each day by day. This philosophy permits the Staph* to plan numerous special events that surprise the participants. This philosophy also encourages the delegates to give undistracted attention to guest presenters. The National Youth Science Camp does not, therefore, publish detailed program calendars.

The National Youth Science Camp is made possible through the planning and fund-raising of the National Youth Science Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to honor, sustain, and encourage youth interest and excellence in science by conducting comprehensive informal science education programs that provide opportunity for constructive interaction with others and emphasize the social value of thoughtful scientific careers.

​* Not misspelled; this is a traditional NYSCamp spelling to highlight their infectious enthusiasm

Volunteer Summer Position 1-6 weeks
Free to participate
Download Flyer (PDF)

Do you have a passion for leading children in fun and inclusive outdoor programs? Love being in nature and sharing it with others? Interested in gaining valuable skills while giving back to your community?

We would love to have you as one of our 2019 volunteer Counselors!

For 45 years, Friends of Tryon Creek in SW Portland have offered nature day camps that help grow and learn in our unique urban forest. To do this work well, we rely on a dedicated group of youth volunteers to support our seasonal staff during the camp day.

Youth aged 15 and up are invited to apply to volunteer for up to 6 weeks each summer for both full day and/or half day programs. Counselors work closely with our Instructors to collaboratively lead groups of campers during songs, games, hikes, and activities. Each week, you will be given time to set goals and reflect on your experiences, working closely with staff to develop as a leader, educator, student, mentor, and friend. This is a fee-free program with no previous experience needed!

Friends of Tryon Creek Nature Day Camp program aims to inspire and nurture relationships with nature by creating experiences rooted in belonging, curiosity, and exploration. Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where campers cultivate ecological and cultural understanding while building life-long friendships in our unique, urban forest. All Nature Day Camp programs balance camp traditions like songs, skits, hikes, crafts, and games with hands-on field studies designed to enhance science education and connection to the natural world.

Friends of Tryon Creek recognizes the diversity of races, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences of our whole community must be represented in our volunteer base in order to welcome and inspire all visitors, so we strongly encourage youth of color as well as folks who are LBGTQ+, multilingual, first-generation, or from other traditionally marginalized communities to join us in our efforts to reclaim, reconnect, and build authentic relationships with nature.

​Explore camp dates, themes, and volunteer registration information by visiting www.tryonfriends.org/day-camp (scroll down to the “Camp Programs” section) or contact Erin “Flicker” Cathcart at [email protected].

Summer job opportunities!!!
 
Portland Parks and Recreations is Hiring
Youth & Adults
for summer work in Nature
 
Youth Conservation Crew (YCC) employment
YCC  provides summer employment opportunities for a diverse population of Portland-area youth.  Youth complete essential work in parks & natural areas while exploring careers in forestry, trails, habitat restoration, environmental education and other job paths possible within PP&R natural resources. 
 
Adult Crew leaders lead the work of teens & inspire the next generation of conservation leaders through environmental career exposure, technical job skills, interpersonal skills, and community building.  We are looking for crew leaders with a passion for nature, mentoring teens, equity, and a driver’s license.  
 
Learn more: 

• Adult Crew Leader Application & job description – due March 1
• Youth (14-18) Application & job description – due April 19
• 2018 Report
• Watch the video  

 
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Do you love working with kids in nature?  
Portland Parks & Recreation is also hiring staff for:
Nature Day Camp
Nature Day Camp connects children to nature through experiential ecology, to model curiosity and wonder, and to be positive role models toward youth of all ages. We are looking for naturalists and camp coordinators.  We hire staff who have an interest in children, ecology, teaching, and play. Our summer staff naturalists are trained for over 45 hours in risk management, youth development, dealing with challenging behaviors, communication skills, group facilitation, Leave No Trace principles, science and inquiry, stewardship, and the benefits of unstructured play. Learn more:

• Employment webpage & application – application due March 31
  

 
Kelly Rosteck (she/her/hers)
Environmental Education   l  Land Stewardship Division
Portland Parks & Recreation
[email protected]
portlandparks.org

The City of Portland complies with all non‐discrimination Civil Rights laws including Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II. To help ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-858-9744, TTY 503-823-6868 or Oregon Relay Service 711 with requests, or visit http://bit.ly/13EWaCg

Financial Aid Available

UPPER MIDWEST EXPEDITION, SUMMER 2019
​Food and Justice
Locations: MN, WI, IA
For: Students Ages 15-18
Dates: July 2-27, 2019
​
Highlights

• Hike along the rivers between Minnesota and Wisconsin, searching for bald eagles and learning about the ways that rivers connect communities
  
• ​Learn about the Ojibwe story and harvest of manoomin (wild rice) in the lakes of Central Minnesota
• Discover the cooperative efforts of both large- and small-scale farmers across the region
• Get your hands dirty with the folks that grow our food
• Listen to the stories of immigrants who have influenced the food landscape in the Midwest
• Cook and share meals with food experts representing the diverse cultural backgrounds of the region

​Trip Summary
Everyone has a relationship to food. This three-week exploration of the Upper Midwest is designed to explore those relationships and connect them to every part of our food system - the growing, the selling, the buying, the cooking, and the sharing. We’ll adventure through the natural beauty of the Midwest, discover the complexities of both small- and large-scale farming, trace commodity chains through different types of grocery stores, learn to cook new varieties of foods, and share meals with diverse community members as they share their personal food stories. Throughout the trip we’ll reflect on our own roles in both local and national food systems and develop a personal vision of food justice.
Academic Courses Include: U.S. History, Science and Health, Change-Making and Leadership, Economics

This trip might be for you if you are:

• generally excited about traveling, meeting new people,  or experiential learning
• passionate about food and sharing stories about food
• ​excited to build friendships with peers from around the country who will offer perspectives that differ from your own
• interested in social justice in the US context and curious about how food systems connect directly to other issues of justice
• just a curious person!

Tuition: sliding scale from $360-$3600
We are open to all students regardless of their ability to pay. 
APPLY TO BE A STUDENT
NOMINATE A STUDENT
LEARN ABOUT OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESS AND FINANCIAL AID
APPLY TO BE ON OUR STAFF TEAM

$ to participate
Week-long summer program for those interested in health careers
Application Deadline: March 14, 2019
Early Application Deadline: December 30, 2019​
​Website / Application

**Interested in attending MedQuest?**Answer these four questions:

• Are you interested in a health career?
• Do you want to know what college dorm life is like?
• Do you enjoy science and math?
• Are you an Oregon high school student currently in 9th-12th grade?

If the answer to any of these is "yes," MedQuest is the experience for you!

MedQuest is an immersive camp on the beautiful Eastern Oregon University campus and surrounding community that exposes high school students to the exciting world of healthcare! Campers complete job shadows with health professionals, participate in panel discussions and local recreational activities, and meet like-minded students from all over the state. Depending on the nature of their job shadows, students may also have the opportunity to witness a surgery, sit in on medical exams or procedures, ride along on an ambulance call, help patients, witness the diagnostic process, and much more!

MedQuest camp accepts approximately 35 students statewide, with selections based on recommendations, GPA, and the overall quality of candidates' applications.

Still need more information? Click HERE to check out our MedQuest PowerPoint.

View photos from MedQuest 2018!

Website / Application

YOUTH
Youth Corps Community (ages 15-18)
Youth Corps Community is a non-residential, day program for 15 to 18 year olds. With the experience of field staff guiding them, participants complete service projects in their own community each day and return home at night. Crews meet at a designated site every morning and evening, Monday through Friday. Members spend an average of 6 hours per day and one hour participating in an educational lesson, from which they earn high school credit and a $250/week stipend. During these 5 week sessions, participants learn new skills, challenge themselves, make new friends, and better their communities!
 
Youth Corps Camping (ages 16-19)
Youth Corps Camping programs combine education and job skill training with outdoor adventure for 16 to 19 year olds. With the guidance of experienced field staff, youth crew members work on conservation, reforestation, and recreation projects, while developing leadership skills and learning how to work as a team. Crews camp in the field for their entire 5-6 week session, traveling to a new project each week and recreating on the weekends. In addition to earning a $300/week stipend and high school credit, participants make new friends, learn new skills, explore the Northwest’s wildest places, challenge themselves, and have an awesome summer!

​Who is Audubon Society of Portland?
Audubon Society of Portland is a conservation organization that has inspired people to love and protect nature in
Oregon for over 100 years. Through our conservation and education programs, wildlife care center and sanctuaries, we strive to foster a region where people and wildlife can flourish together.

What is the TALON Program?
The TALON Program, a training and employment program for young adults aged 16-20, is designed to introduce
participants to careers in conservation, wildlife care, communications, and environmental education. TALON's
goal is to give young adults a real life, hands-on experience that will better prepare them for a job in one of the many fields within conservation.

Operating out of Portland Audubon's East and Northwest locations during the training and apprenticeship period,
TALON aims to reach the diversity of racial and ethnic communities living in Portland, Gresham, and Clackamas.

The TALON Program consists of:

• Ten Saturday training sessions
  
• Ten weeks of summer employment in environmental education, community science, communication, wildlife rehabilitation, or trail building.
  
• Ongoing mentorship with Portland Audubon staff
  
• Education and skill-building in natural history
  
• Diversifying the environmental movement
  
• Paid employment!
  

Each training session will be scheduled on a Saturday beginning April 2019. Participants must attend 9 out of 10
Saturday training days to be eligible for apprenticeship assignment.

Who Are We Seeking?
This program is primarily for young adult’s aged 16-20 who represent diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. Candidates should have a continued or emerging interest in learning about the various fields in the environmental field.

For questions, contact
Youn Han, Community Programs Manager:
[email protected] or call 503-867-1597

Residential experience; financial aid available
Application due: rolling admissions; apply early!

 
​link: Summer Ecology Program website

The Mount St. Helens Summer Ecology Program is an adventuresome science program in the Mount St. Helens blast zone. We will work with professional scientists from the US Forest Service, regional universities and non-profit organizations on their research at Mount St. Helens. We will also conduct our own research projects, go day hiking and practice the myriad of ways of communicating science (art, scientific writing, journalism, photography, poetry). This program is designed to give you practical field experience to introduce you to careers in science, science students and scientists, and to build your resume.

APPLY NOW           PRINTABLE FLYER (PDF)          PROGRAM POLICIES

SUMMER ECOLOGY PROGRAM INFORMATION
WHO
Curious 15-17 year olds, who are interested in college or career endeavors in natural resources, ecology, biology, or similar subjects. Max number of youth: 12

Staff are trained educators who are passionate about volcanoes and ecology. All staff undergo background checks and have at minimum first aid and CPR training. Scientists are experts from the US Forest Service, environmental non-profits, and regional universities.

WHAT 
What We Will Do: After meeting the group we will travel through old-growth forest, similar to pre-eruption Mount St. Helens, to the Mount St. Helens Institute’s Field Camp near Windy Ridge, where we will set up our base camp. Each day during the week we will explore aspects of field ecology research which may include stream surveys, road surveys, wildlife camera traps, and plant ecology. Small research teams will work alongside researchers from the US Forest Service, universities, and non-profits on their research. We will also conduct our own research projects and have plenty of time to explore, relax, and reflect in this incredibly dynamic landscape.
What Skills are Necessary: No experience in ecology, hiking, or camping is necessary, but it is essential that participants are comfortable being outside and are curious about science.
Needed Supplies: You will need sturdy shoes, a sleeping bag, a daypack/school backpack, a ball cap or sunhat, and 2 good water bottles. We have sleeping bags for loan. A full packing list will be provided after registration.

WHERE
We will visit various locations in the Mount St. Helens Blast Zone. Meeting locations will vary based on participants;  there will be Clark, Cowlitz, and Lewis Country meeting locations.The Mount St. Helens Institute operates a field camp at an elevation of 4,000 feet in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. We will “glamp” (or luxury camp) at this field camp near Windy Ridge.  Camp consists of canvas-walled sleeping tents with cots, an outdoor kitchen, and a composting toilet.
Meals are home-style, nutritious, and are made on-site. We are able to accommodate numerous dietary requests.
Think of the accommodations and meals as up-graded camping with an amazing view of Cascade volcanoes.

WHEN 
SUNDAY JULY 22 - THURSDAY JULY 26, 2018
Meeting time will vary based on meeting locations.

HOW 
​Submit an online application, or print and mail your completed application. Admission is rolling, apply early!
​Cost: $0.00-$600.00  Financial assistance is available.  See below for instructions on how to apply for financial aid.

APPLY TO SUMMER ECOLOGY PROGRAM
Applications are available now. Admission is rolling, apply early!
​
APPLY FOR ADMISSION

1. Complete and submit your application in one of the two following ways:
   • Complete the ONLINE APPLICATION FORM HERE.
     
   • Download the PRINTABLE APPLICATION FORM HERE (PDF).  You can scan or take a photo of your complete financial aid application and send it by email to [email protected] OR send your paper application by mail to:
     
   Attn.: Summer Ecology ProgramMount St. Helens Institute
   42218 NE Yale Bridge Rd.
   Amboy, WA 98601
2. Ask a teacher to complete an ONLINE TEACHER RECOMMENDATION FORM HERE.

Applications will be considered once BOTH the application and the Teacher Recommendation Form are submitted.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AIDWe STRONGLY encourage all interested high school students to apply!  Complete and submit your application in one of the two following ways:

1. Complete the ONLINE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION FORM HERE.
2. Download the PRINTABLE FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION HERE (PDF). You can scan or take a photo of your complete financial aid application and send it by email to [email protected] OR send your paper application by mail to:
   

Attn.: Summer Ecology ProgramMount St. Helens Institute
42218 NE Yale Bridge Rd.
Amboy, WA 98601

Paid position leading to eligibility for scholarship
Application deadline: April 6, 2018

Link: EAGLE Program website

The EAGLE program (Early Adventures in Golf for a Lifetime of Enjoyment) is a unique internship program that is a cooperative venture between Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R), The Western Golf Association, and public high schools located within the city of Portland, aimed at introducing students to all aspects of golf course operation. Qualified students are paid an hourly wage, receive work credit hours, and have a mentor who monitors their progress. In addition, scholarship opportunities are available from their involvement in our program.

Since 1992, over 80 students have successfully completed college on Evans Scholarships received through PP&R’s EAGLE program. PP&R is proud of its long standing partnership with the Evans Foundation and continues to support youth the EAGLE Program.

PP&R’s EAGLE program is accepting applications through April 6, 2018,  from qualified freshmen currently enrolled at high schools located within the City of Portland. Students interested in joining the EAGLE Program should contact Portland Parks & Recreation’s Carolyn Lee at [email protected] or 503-823-5076.
EAGLE Program Eligibility Requirements
​

• Only freshman attending public high schools within the city of Portland* are eligible to apply for this three-year program;
• Students who are selected for the program work in the clubhouse or on the golf course at minimum wage;
• All participants are required to work full-time during the summer;
• Must have good attendance in school;
• Must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5;
• Must come from a financially disadvantaged family;
• Must go into the EAGLE Program with the expectation of completion; and
• Must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from a school counselor and/or teacher.

*Students who attend high schools that are not located within the city of Portland should visit the WGAESF website for caddie opportunities.

Click Here to Request Application Materials
​Application deadline  - Friday, April 6, 2018

Evans Scholarships are supported by the Western Golf Association, and valued at more than $100,000 over four years. The requirements for an Evans Scholar are based on financial need, good citizenship, being in the top 10% of one's high school class, and two years either caddying or working in the golf business.

A history of or current interest in the game of golf is not required. EAGLE students successfully completing the program become eligible to apply and compete for an Evans Scholarships during their senior year of high school. This scholarship provides college tuition and housing at the University of Oregon and may be renewed for up to four years.

“The EAGLE caddie program is a successful Portland Parks & Recreation partnership with public high schools,” says Portland Parks Commissioner Amanda Fritz. “We want more young people to follow Portland’s previous Evans Scholarship winners and take advantage of this unique and rewarding program where they have the opportunity to gain work experience while earning money, and potentially continuing their education through a full college scholarship.”

“The EAGLE caddie program is one more way we provide our mission of ‘Healthy Parks, Healthy Portland’,” says Portland Parks & Recreation Director Mike Abbaté. “I encourage all interested students with drive and initiative to apply in what could be a life-changing experience!”