Oregon Volunteers - Helping Youth Learn Programs

Outdoor High School ODS): NYC - ODS AmeriCorps program provides field and classroom education in an alternative high school education program, taught in an experiential format. AmeriCorps members assist teachers in day to day activities including curriculum development, classroom teaching, legacy projects and the planning and organization of several National Service Days.

Laurel Valley Organic Farm: NYC's farm is celebrating its 7th year as a fundamental part of ODS. The Garden Coordinator teaches students the importance of resource management issues and facilitates hands-on learning that is structured around the completion of conservation projects and field studies activities. Curricula include organic gardening, resource management, conservation and environmental studies linked to a science, math, language arts and social studies curriculum. Students earn high school credit toward a diploma while attending ODS.

Rural School Program: NYC has partnered with several rural schools in Lane County such as Marcola, Oakridge, and Cottage Grove. Members are placed in various sites with the purpose of providing service to these sites in areas of need including but not limited to after school community service, service learning, open gym, tutoring, and enrichment courses such as newspaper, knitting, beading, and bicycle maintenance.

The Corps Network - NYC AmeriCorps Programs

Corps Respond Program: The NYC - Corps Respond program consists of a team of ten AmeriCorps members whose efforts focus on disaster preparedness, safety education, community outreach and conservation projects throughout the northwest. Members take training they have received and educate the community, volunteering with local community groups including schools, daycares and assisted living facilities, NYC conservation crews, the City of Eugene CERT team, and the Red Cross to teach disaster preparedness skills. Additionally, crew members complete conservation projects and may respond to disasters.

Ed Award Programs: Education Awards are offered through various NYC programs such as Swamper and LDP. NYC - AmeriCorps Education Awards are earned by members who complete 300 hours of service through the above mentioned programs.

YouthWorks Program: YouthWorks offers exciting non-residential summer programs for Lane County youth, ranging in ages from 11 to 15. Youth work in teams of 8-10 members to cultivate maturity, self-esteem, and job responsibility through four main focus areas: gardening, community service, environmental education, and outdoor recreation. YouthWorks Team Leaders and the YouthWorks Garden Coordinator help plan and implement education, community service projects, conservation, and outdoor recreation activities for 5 teams of youth. Two leaders work with each team and are responsible for the development and supervision of that team. Team Leaders are motivated, responsible, and excited about youth development. Team Leader positions are challenging, but the rewards are great. The YouthWorks Garden Coordinator works closely with the YouthWorks Team Leaders and youth to educate them on the process of organic gardening.

Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute Program - NYC AmeriCorps Program

Arizona/Idaho Leadership Development Program: Created in 1996 to offer leadership training for those interested in pursuing employment with Northwest Youth Corps and other similar outdoor pursuit programs, LDP integrates team-based work projects, education, hands-on youth leadership experience, and on-site technical training into a curriculum that emphasizes leadership growth, and the development of conservation work skills. Members develop strong project management and technical skills through working on conservation and recreation projects while practicing the interpersonal skills required to successfully lead teenage groups in the outdoors.

Master the compassion, patience, organization and intensity needed to be an outdoor leader as you practice the soft and hard skills needed to help teenage crews, ages 16-19, successfully complete a variety of backcountry conservation projects. This is the only NYC program in which team members are trained to operate chain saws or use power tools, and requires participants be nineteen years old or older. Some outdoor experience is required. College courses in recreation, education, or resource management, preferred.

This is a team-based experience where you learn by doing! You will graduate with sore muscles, new skills and a wealth of new employment opportunities in the outdoors. In fact, NYC has placed 80% of program graduates in seasonal leadership positions.

For position descriptions and more information on these various programs visit each specific program link.