Vermont Projects

Vermont Youth Conservation Leadership Program

Our Goals
Inspire and support the next generation of bird lovers and conservation professionals.
What We’re Doing
Providing academic and work opportunities for young adults including career exploration programs for high school students, internships for college-aged students, and year-long service positions through AmeriCorps.
A group of young adults gathered on a forested trail, each looking through their binoculars.

³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Vermont’s Youth Conservation Leadership Program (YCLP) inspires young adults to take action to protect birds and the planet. We offer five unique programs where participants gain hands-on experience in environmental education, conservation, and policy issues as they work alongside local Vermont conservation professionals to explore future career options. By participating in YCLP, youth build their resumes, connect with peers and professionals, expand their knowledge of Vermont's natural history, and embark on rewarding work-based or service-learning experiences that shape their futures. 

Our Programs:

The Junior Conservation Technician (JCT) Program is an opportunity for youth ages 14- 18 to gain practical skills in outdoor and environmental education, wildlife and habitat conservation, naturalist skills, teamwork, leadership, and resume building. JCTs work collaboratively and individually on ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ projects including bird banding, bird-friendly forest management, trail maintenance, and native plant gardening.

Counselors in Training (CIT) is a paid work-based experience for teens aged 14-18 at our summer day camps. CITs collaborate with our experienced camp staff to provide engaging environmental education activities for 3-12 year old campers at Green Mountain ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Center. CITs explore their interests in outdoor education, wildlife conservation, nature awareness, and teaching while building teamwork and leadership skills. 

College-aged students of all backgrounds collaborate and work with our expert staff in one of three areas:  environmental education, conservation, or policy. We offer internships in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. 

Paid teaching positions at our summer day camp for young adults with relevant experience/degree focus, or for teaching professionals with summer availability. Seasonal Educators guide children aged 3-12 through immersive outdoor experiences at Green Mountain ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ center. They are responsible for teaching outdoors all summer, crafting camp activities and curriculum, and mentoring teenage CITs.  

AmeriCorps is a national service program where members dedicate a term of service to strengthening communities and addressing critical needs. Our AmeriCorps members spend their term immersed in hands-on, community-based environmental education and conservation work. Members lead and support community science projects, deliver place-based environmental education programs, and assist our conservation team in restoring and protecting local ecosystems. It’s an opportunity to gain real-world experience, make a tangible impact, and grow as a leader in service. We offer both full (January-December) and half terms (likely February-September).   

           

Program Contact
A portrait photo of Sarah Hooghuis.

Sarah Hooghuis

Senior Coordinator, Youth Conservation Leadership Program

Our Partners:

Serve Learn Earn

Serve Learn Earn written out in blue text.

University of Vermont

University of Vermont written in green next with a white V in a green shield on the right.

Vermont Youth Conservation Corps

Vermont Youth Conservation Corps written in black text. To the right of the text is a blue square with VYCC written in white letters above an outline of Camel's Hump.