Voyageurs National Park Association Taking Applications for Teen Ambassadors

News Release Date: April 25, 2014

Contact: Tawnya Schoewe, 218-283-6670

In 2012, the National Park Service, Voyageurs National Park Association, and Wilderness Inquiry partnered together to launch the first-ever National Park Teen Ambassador program.

Voyageurs National Park Association is excited to announce the continuation of this program in 2014.

The park is encouraging teens from its gateway communities and the Twin Cities to apply to be a National Park Teen Ambassador this summer. The application deadline is May 9, 2014. Participants are part of a student team that:

• Spends 5 days in Voyageurs National Park
• Learns how to canoe and camp in the park
• Explores topics including wildlife research, cultural and natural history, park service careers, and environmental conservation and stewardship
• Advises the national parks about what matters to teens

Who should apply?

High school students who:

• Will be a high school sophomore, junior, or senior in fall 2014
• Are excited about the outdoors and making a difference
• Are looking to develop leadership skills and learn more about environmental stewardship

What is the cost?

There is no participant fee. The program involves overnight camping trip to Voyageurs National Park from July 30 through August 5.

How to apply?

Visit www.voyageurs.org/teenambassadors to print an application or pick one up at park headquarters.Deadline to apply is May 9, 2014.

Email completed application to [e-mail] or mail to:

Voyageurs National Park Association

126 N. 3rd Street, Suite 400

Minneapolis, MN 55413

What the Ambassadors had to say about their experience last year:

"This program is important so that generations to come will also understand how important and special our national parks are."

"I think that National Parks are important because they preserve places in nature so that generations to come can still be in touch with their ancestors and the world's history. They tell stories that otherwise would be bulldozed over or forgotten."

"Nature offers endless points of view that we'll never get to see. National Parks are important because [they take] all things you never get to see and make them accessible, put them in one place"

"I enjoyed everything. The outdoor experience was incredible. We got to see a beautiful natural environment that I never saw before and I'm so thankful for this great opportunity. I learned so much, but I can say my favorite part was swimming to an island on Kabetogama [Lake]. I was afraid but the group motivated me and the staff kept me safe."

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.