CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
NKJN offers middle and high schools students the opportunity to contribute back to their community and the environment, gain leadership skills and job training and experience, and have fun and even make some money!
All Nature Kids programs for the summer of 2020 will be reduced, as organizations determine how to comply with COVID-19 related laws and regulations. It is with a heavy heart that we share these difficult decisions regarding Nature Kids programs. We care deeply about our families, and we empathize with the struggles that these decisions will bring. We will show up alongside families to the best of our ability and we will be as fair as possible in determining participants for reduced camp sizes. We will be following up with all of the families who are enrolled or on the wait list individually over the next few weeks as we learn more information about each camp. We have created an FAQ to provide answers to the most common questions about our small group size camps and how we are planning to ensure a safe and fun camp during this time of COVID-19.
YEAR ROUND OPPORTUNITIES
NATURE KIDS YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD
Grades: 6th – 12th
This 1 year program includes career exploration and skill-building, and leadership development
Nature Kids is currently seeking applicants for a newly established Youth Advisory Board, which will be responsible for ensuring Lafayette youth have access to quality outdoor education opportunities. The Board, which will comprise 12 Lafayette secondary students, will distribute mini-grants to local entities, evaluate Nature Kids programming, and advise future programming among other tasks. Members will meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and on the second Saturday (times and location TBD) of each month. Applicants must either reside in Lafayette or attend a Lafayette middle or high school.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
SCHOOL YEAR OPPORTUNITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CORPS (EE CORPS)
Ages 14-18 years old
Join expert educators from Thorne Nature Experience and help to deliver After School programs on nature, gardening, animals, and outdoor recreation at Sanchez, Pioneer and Ryan Elementary. Twelve week School Year Environmental Education Corps positions are available beginning in September and December ($250 stipend for each 12 week program, 2 hours per week)
Apply now to be considered for programs beginning in September and before November 30 for programs beginning in January.
Partner: Thorne Nature Experience
SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CORPS (EE CORPS)
Ages: 16-19 years old
This 8-week program includes career exploration and skill-building, leadership development and paid employment ($1500 stipend for Corps members).
By being part of this internship, students will be able to:
- Participate in a training in Cal-Wood
- Help with summer camps for young people around Lafayette
- Help at Cal-Wood Family Camps
- Work with Wildlands Restoration Volunteers
- Research at the High Alpine Research Center at the University of Colorado
- Rafting on the Colorado River
Apply before April 3 to be considered for the program.
COVID-19 UPDATE: The EE Youth Corps is not accepting further applications. The internship will experience changes in programming and stipend amount as organizations determine how to comply with COVID-19 related laws and regulations. We will communicate individually with interns who have been selected.
BOULDER COUNTY YOUTH CORPS (Lafayette)
Ages 14+
Join the Boulder County Youth Corps as a member of their Lafayette Corps and help to care for parks trails and open spaces in Lafayette. (pay is $10.20/hour for first year corps members and increases with experience)
Apply before April 1 to be considered for the program. It is recommended that you contact Veronica Sangabriel at veronica@nullthornenature.org for assistance with the application and a recommendation from Nature Kids.
Partner: City of Lafayette Open Space and Boulder County Youth Corps
COVID-19 UPDATE: Boulder County is no longer accepting applications.
CU SCIENCE DISCOVERY: STEM RESEARCH
Grades 9 – 12 // June 29 – July 24th 2020, Monday – Friday
Jump start your science career! Conduct an environmental science research project, work with CU Boulder researchers, participate in a research methods class, and present at a science poster session.
Apply before April 16 to be considered for the program.
Partner: CU Boulder, Bus pass provided
To apply, complete the application provided in the link below. Please specify that you are part of Nature Kids Lafayette.
COVID-19 UPDATE: This internship is cancelled.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONSERVANCY – HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP CORPS
Grades 10-12; $400 Stipend
You will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain practical experience in environmental management, develop job skills, and explore Rocky Mountain National Park. This internship is a 12-day experience with camps and trail construction. Tents, work clothes, boots and equipment provided.
COVID-19 UPDATE: RMC is no longer accepting applications.