YouthCorps

YouthCorps programs offer teens, ages 14-19, a job training, employment, and education program modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930's. The programs integrate challenge, education, and hard work into curricula that stress responsibility, pride, teamwork, and stewardship of natural resources. Youth work for four to five weeks, in 10 member crews along with two program staff, on conservation, reforestation, and recreation projects, and camp near their work sites. In addition to sharing the daily chores of camp life, crew members also explore contemporary environmental and social issues during educational programming.

OutDoor School

The OutDoor School (ODS) is an alternative high school program for youth who find the traditional school setting unable to meet their needs. ODS Combines conservation work with academics in an environmental curriculum, alternating weekly between outdoor hands-on projects and classroom instruction including math, English, social studies and science. Participants must live in the Lane County area.

YouthGrow

During our YouthGrow program, OutDoor School staff  and AmeriCorps members will work with youth 9-13 years old at our Laurel Valley Education Farm, helping plant, harvest and maintain the 2 acre organic garden. During the three week sessions participants receive lessons in organic gardening techniques, botany, soils, plant & insect id while working in the garden. After a morning of helping in the garden participants will have an opportunity to have fun, playing water games, working on craft projects and cooking.