Last updated: April 13, 2023
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NPS Staff and Interns Learn, Engage, and Connect at The Corps Network's Annual Conference

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From March 7-9, 2023, the National Park Service Youth Programs Division, along with several regional youth and volunteer program managers park staff, and interns attended The Corps Network’s annual National Conference in-person. The conference included informative workshops, inspiring plenary sessions, and networking opportunities.
The Corps Network’s annual National Conference brought together more than 300 attendees from across the country who seek to build stronger communities and create a sustainable future. Topics from the conference included discussing how we can empower and support today’s youth, prepare our young people for in-demand careers, and maximize the impact of national service in addressing climate change and advancing equity.
The Corps Network’s annual National Conference brought together more than 300 attendees from across the country who seek to build stronger communities and create a sustainable future. Topics from the conference included discussing how we can empower and support today’s youth, prepare our young people for in-demand careers, and maximize the impact of national service in addressing climate change and advancing equity.

NPS Photo

NPS Photo
The opening Plenary welcomed attendees to the conference. The organization Leading to Change got everyone thinking outside of the box from what they have been used to doing. One idea can change everything for the better. Each person received a card with different topics in various forms, including quotes, words, letters, numbers, and images. These could be used as conversation starters with anyone else they interacted with.

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The last day of the Conference was bittersweet, as we had to say goodbye to colleagues we had only seen through our computer screens, or those we were seeing again for the first time since the pandemic. Several federal agency colleagues attended, including those from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Other partners included The Corps Network, Conservation Legacy, AmeriCorps, American Conservation Experience, Student Conservation Experience, Groundwork USA, Greening Youth Foundation, and many others who are part of the 21st Century Conservation and Service Corps.

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