Last December, youth ambassadors from around the country participated in the first Youth Ambassador training and webinar, an effort coordinated by
America’s State Parks. Since then, more than 60 ambassadors have joined the program and it continues to grow.
The primary goal of the program is to create awareness of state parks and what they have to offer to visitors. Youth ambassadors who are chosen to represent the state parks, promise to visit state parks and create articles of their trips and experiences. The articles are posted in the forms of video blogs (vlogs), written articles and photo essays. The Youth Ambassador works with Colorado State Parks staff, America's State Parks and their own social networks to document their outdoor experiences.
All Colorado Youth Ambassadors are volunteers, so it gives them the opportunity to get out and explore multiple state parks on their own schedule and in their own way. Ambassadors also feel that it is a great chance for them to share why they love state parks, encouraging more youth to be involved with the parks as well as spreading the word about activities available to the public. They feel like they are helping with a larger cause with support from state to state.
Since the program is open to 18-24 year olds, it is a great way for young adults who are starting careers to gain some valuable experience writing, working with other staff members and ambassadors, and producing quality video content and photographs.
America’s State Park Youth Ambassadors also get to network with ambassadors in other states and learn of additional opportunities. In particular, Outdoor Nation has engaged many of the ambassadors in their
Youth Summit series. This offered the ambassadors a chance to bring up state park issues with youth on a national scale. Colorado's very own ambassador, Kimberly Banzhaf, not only attended the Outdoor Nation Youth Summit, but was invited to attend the National Association of State Park Directors meeting this year in South Dakota. Read more about Kimberly's travels
here.
If you think you got what it takes (something like the passion of Amy Pohler from TV's Parks & Rec and the journalism prowess of Katy Couric) then we encourage you to apply!
Your application must be complete to be considered and include:
- 500 word essay telling us about yourself and why you are applying
- 3 minute video (link to youtube or other site is fine) showing us the great stuff you can do as our ambassador
- 3 references who can speak to your ability
Here is the complete
Application.
Please send to:
parksweb@state.co.us.