OUTDOOR LEADERS PROGRAM
The Outdoor LEADERS Program is an all–new program for teens and young adults to explore the professional world of outdoor recreation and environmental activism. Aimed at increasing access and diversity in the outdoors, our 6–month pilot course will feature monthly in–person training workshops to help participants build outdoor industry work readiness skills and change the way we look at nature and how we enjoy it. Participants will have the opportunity to earn Wilderness First Aid certification, pursue individual focuses, and creatively enact a vision for the future of the outdoor community.
Earth Team and Big City Mountaineers have been partnering for over two years now offering outdoor trip experiences for youth in Earth Team’s Sustainable Youth Internship program. We’re excited to expand our collaboration to bring forth this new program and support the next generation of outdoor explorers.
Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11:59 PM
Before applying, please review the requirements.
Contact OLP Program Coordinator, Itzel Gomez at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Requirements
● Must be a previous or current Earth Team intern between the ages of 16 and 20 years old.
● Commitment to complete this 6–month program is mandatory. This includes attendance at monthly weekend workshops, an overnight trip, and a multi–day backpacking expedition (please note: prior outdoor experience is not required and all gear will be provided).
● Agreement to shadow BCM instructors and lead youth on a day hike, overnight trip, or multi–day backpacking expedition with partner youth organizations.
● Strong desire to build outdoor industry skills and gain useful knowledge for a possible career in Outdoor Education.
Compensation
Participants will receive a stipend amount up to $800 upon completion of the OLP apprenticeship program. Previous BCM trip participants are strongly encouraged to apply.
Contact info
If you have questions please contact OLP Program Coordinator, Itzel Gomez at [email protected]
Want to learn more about the program? Please sign up for a virtual information session hosted by Earth Team and Big City Mountaineers staff.
January 12, 2023, 5:00 PM
Topic: Info Session: Outdoor Leaders Program
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88444049846
Virtual info sessions
Schedule
Monthly in–person workshops are scheduled for the third weekend of each month starting in February 2023 and ending in August 2023.
| Training Focus | Dates | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
Introduction to
Outdoor
Education | 2/18/2023 | Gain an understanding for leading youth
programs, find your leader voice, and build
skills to facilitate outdoor learning. |
Wilderness First
Aid Certification | TBD | Prepare for the unexpected in an
engaging, hands-on introduction to
wilderness medicine. |
Diversity, Equity
& Inclusion | Active component
throughout each
workshop | Reflect on and discuss access and
representation in the outdoor industry.
Practice skills to address social injustice. |
Day Hike and
BCM Mentorship | April 15, 2023 | BCM staff and field instructors will connect
with participants and offer personal
insights, guidance and support. |
Overnight
Camping Trip | May 2023 | ... |
Multi-day
Backpacking
Expedition | June 2023 | Go on a 7-day backpacking trip led by
BCM instructors and learn the basics of
expedition planning, navigation, and
backcountry and group management
skills. |
Immersive
Training
Opportunities
with partner
Youth
Organizations | Dates vary
between April-July
2023 | Opportunity to apply what you’ve learned
during training sessions and lead youth... |
Professional
Skills | 7/29/2023. | Build industry-ready skills, network with
industry leaders, and explore outdoor
careers. Learn from industry leaders about
responsibilities they hold and job duties. |
Access
Students will see themselves represented in the outdoor industry. Earth Team and BCM staff will work with students to make connections in the fields that interest them, including pursuing opportunities for mentorships and internships.
Personal Connections to the outdoors
Students will experience outdoor spaces and activities in a way that allows them to integrate them into their daily life in the future. A deeper and more meaningful understanding of the work and role of people in creating these places.
A new vision for the outdoor industry
Students feel that they have the power to make a difference and that their voices will be valued however they choose to use them.
Outdoor TRips
Check out previous outdoor trips
What do people say?
Our partners
In collaboration with
