San Luis Valley high school students are invited to “go wild” this summer at the Great Sand Dunes. The Park's Ambassadors for Wilderness program will host a selection of local teenagers for a summer’s worth of activities in the park’s wilderness environments.

National Park Service rangers will lead participants in activities surrounding the themes of outdoor skills, Leave No Trace, leadership, field science, and park management. The summer culminates in a 5-day backpacking trek from the high alpine Music Pass area down to the remote and seldom-seen north side of the dunes. When students return back to school, they will complete a project of their own design to educate others about their wilderness experience and about the resources of the Great Sand Dunes. 

The Ambassadors for Wilderness program charges no fees.  Food, gear, and entrance fees are paid for by the program.  The participant is responsible only for his or her own personal clothing and transportation to the park.  All current San Luis Valley freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are eligible to apply.

Students who complete all summer sessions and the Ambassador project will receive a $100 scholarship courtesy of Western National Parks Association and their choice of either volunteer service hours or elective credit.

Ambassadors for Wilderness brochure (.pdf, 326k)

2009 Gear list (.pdf, 55k)

Ambassadors for Wilderness Application (.pdf, 178k)

FAQs about Ambassadors for Wilderness (.pdf, 80k) 

Email or phone the Education Specialist at 719-378-6344 for more information.

Or, for a student perspective, check out this participant-designed website from summer 2008.