Sleeping Bear Dunes seeks wilderness ambassadors

From staff reports

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is recruiting up to 10 high school students entering grades 9-12 in the 2017-2018 school year to spend a week in the park gaining backcountry skills, enhancing knowledge of environmental stewardship, providing volunteer service, and building friendships—all while sleeping beneath the stars in the National Lakeshore’s designated Wilderness areas. The weeklong experience will take place from July 30-August 5. The program is free to all participants and includes food, gear, and transportation during the experience. Transportation grants may be available to participants requiring additional financial assistance.

The Wilderness Ambassador Youth program will emphasize outdoor exploration, backcountry skill building, and service learning. Specific goals include expanding participants’ knowledge of environmental stewardship, personal responsibility, risk management, and Leave-No-Trace ethics. The program will allow opportunities for enhancing teamwork and leadership skills, and will provide networking opportunities for those interested in a future career in the outdoor recreation. During the seven-day adventure, students will enjoy activities such as backpacking, camping, swimming, team building exercises, journaling, and reflection activities. No previous experience is necessary, but participants must be physically able to carry up to a 40-pound pack, and hike 8 miles in one day.

If you are a high school student, or know a high school student, who is interested in gaining confidence, adding experience to their resume, and going on a memorable wilderness expedition go to the National Lakeshore’s website to complete the online application or download a paper application.

Please send your application no later than May 31.