Youth Outdoor Leadership Program

Youth Leaders are camp role models, activity facilitators, and ultimately help design Big Sur Land Trust's new youth programming as well as contribute to the continuous improvement of our long-standing camps. Your voice, ideas, and contributions make sure our programs are right for you and the generations of campers that come after you. Through the 9-month Youth Outdoor Leadership Program, you will explore:

• Job skills for land stewardship and working with youth and communities  
• Hiking, camping, and other outdoor recreation skills 
• Map reading and navigation 
• Monterey County plants and animals  
• Community-building games and strategies 
• Group management techniques 
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion training 
• Inter/intrapersonal skills (motivation, confidence, stress management, responsibility, problem solving, planning and organization, and effective communication) 
• How to update your resume and getting job/education references for the future 

Choose from these options for Saturday service days. Some weekday options throughout the season will be available. These may include:

• Co-lead day camps at three different BSLT nature preserves
• Assist at stewardship volunteer events
• Learn trail maintenance, invasive species removal, restoration planting, seed collection, and more
• Help at community engagement events
• Participate in street fairs or Carr Lake park events
• Practice effective communication and community organizing

Be a summer camp counselor in June and July. All youth leaders will serve as summer camp counselors for groups of campers, ages 12-17:

• Attend a multi-night summer camp training
• Work at up to three camp sessions (three days/two nights each)

Choose a project that improves camps or other programs. Examples of projects could include:

• Create activity materials
• Translate or improve camper resources
• Make and/or edit videos
• Create social media content
• Gear maintenance and storage
• Plan and guide a community hike
• Or something completely different that YOU feel would make Big Sur Land Trust programs better

• Are interested in leading groups in the outdoors and exploring other nature related careers.  
• Have a desire to connect deeply with nature and develop outdoor leadership skills. 
• Are able to commit to all or most program dates. 
• Willing to contribute critical input and feedback. 
• Can hike up to 5 miles on uneven terrain. 
• Have parent/guardian support and permission to participate.
• Are 16-19 years old and high school juniors, seniors, or recent graduates. Six spots are available each session. 
  • Never been to camp before? No worries! Camp alumni will be given priority, but anyone who has experienced barriers to accessing nature and/or is new to outdoor experiences is welcome to apply. 

• All too often entry-level applicants are told they need experience to qualify for a position, and yet the opportunities to get that experience are uncompensated—especially within the environmental fields. We recognize household income can be a barrier to being able to participate in these kinds of opportunities. To help support your ability to participate in this learning program, you will receive a stipend of up to $2,000
  • Achieving the maximum stipend is based on full program attendance and service days chosen. Stipends will be paid on a monthly schedule with amounts based on participation.

• Fill out the online application form.
  • English and Spanish versions will be available, as well as additional languages through embedded Google Translate function.
• If invited to the next stage, you will be asked via email to choose an interview date/time.
  • In-person, zoom, or phone options will be available.
• YOLP acceptance decisions will be made via email.
• If accepted, you will be asked to complete a Health and Liability Waiver.

What if I can’t use the online application form? 

• No worries! Please email youthprograms@bigsurlandtrust.org and we can help you through any technical issues or provide you with an application in an alternative format.  
• We also recommend working on your application in a separate word document or other program, in order to be able to save and return to it later.

Am I still eligible to apply if: 

• I do not drive or have easy access to transportation to areas outside of my neighborhood/town/city? 
  • Yes, please include this information in your application. If you need help with transportation, we can provide support. 
• I know that I’ll have at least one date conflict? 
  • Yes, please include that information in your application and your availability will be discussed during the interview process.