Sleeping Bear Dunes recruits winter interns for snowshoe programs
From staff reports
Do you like to play in the snow? Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is recruiting up to two winter interns to assist with snowshoe field trips and weekend hikes. The internship will start in early January and last until mid-March. Work includes presenting curriculum-based lessons and activities on topics such as winter ecology, animal adaptations, snow science, and National Park Service mission and history.
Interns will also assist in leading snowshoe hikes for third to fifth graders and for the general public. Interns will create and post content on the park’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Typical work schedule is 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Interns receive a stipend of $20 per day, government housing, plus a volunteer uniform. Interns are required to provide their own snow/rain pants and waterproof boots. Snowshoes will be available for the interns to use during educational and interpretive programs.
Experience snowshoeing is not necessary, however, the interns must be physically capable of snowshoeing up to several miles per day, five days a week. Experience working with elementary students preferred. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and one letter of recommendation to the park’s Education Technician at slbe_education@nps.gov or mail your application packet to 9922 West Front Street, Empire, MI, 49630. Applications received by November 3, 2017 will receive first consideration. For more information about internships at the National Lakeshore, visit this page.
The National Lakeshore was selected to receive a 2017 field trip grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF), the official charity of America’s national parks. This grant will allow fourth grade classes the opportunity to explore the National Lakeshore on a snowshoeing adventure for free and learn about winter ecology, snow science, and more in a hands-on, experiential format. This grant, part of the NPF’s Open OutDoors for Kids program, supports the Every Kid in a Park program. Students go on an off-trail, snowshoeing adventure through a winter wonderland and complete curriculum-based, hands-on activities and games throughout the day. Teachers can prepare their students for the trip and extend learning by completing a pre-visit and post-visit lesson. Rangers and interns may be available to visit classrooms prior to the field trip to present a pre-program activity in November, December, and early January. Field trips are offered Tuesday through Friday, from January to mid-March.
