Voyageurs National Park Taking Applications for Teen Ambassadors

Date: April 8, 2013
Contact: Tawnya Schoewe, [phone]

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 is excited to announce the continuation of this program in 2013.

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 April 29, 2013. Participants are part of a student team that:

·Spends 8 days in two Minnesota National Parks:

Voyageurs National Park and Mississippi National River & Recreation Area.

·Learns how to canoe and camp in the parks.
·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.
·Gives outreach presentations about their experiences in the fall.

Who should apply?

High school students who:
·will be a high school sophomore, junior or senior in Fall 2013.
·are excited about the outdoors, even if you've never camped.
·are looking to develop leadership skills and learn more about environmental stewardship.

What is the cost?

There is no participant fee, but full participation is required in both trips and all elements of the program.The program involves two trips, a summer project and outreach presentations in the fall.Important dates:

·June 11-13 at Mississippi River
·July 31-August 4 at Voyageurs National Park

How to apply?

Visit www.voyageurs.org/teenambassadors to print an application or pick one up at park headquarters. Deadline to apply is April 29, 2013.

Completed applications can be dropped off or mailed to:

Voyageurs National Park
Attn: Teen Ambassadors
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, MN 56649

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."

"It was really cool to see the stars without light pollution and to see a wolf!"

"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 think it's important for our national parks to have Teen Ambassadors because we can go out and experience the park and tell other young people about it to get them interested too. Considering that young people are the future caretakers of every aspect of the country, you want to get them to care more about our national parks so they will always be around."