LINC (High School)

During this six week program, local high school students assist with service projects, attend leadership workshops, and take field trips to special park sites (like Alcatraz Island and Muir Woods). Projects and activities vary by week and include trail work, plant propagation, and habitat restoration. You’ll also pack up for a four-day camping and service trip to Yosemite. If you’re open to new experiences, eager to learn new skills, and interested in working outside you should apply now. No previous experience necessary. Students receive a monetary award upon satisfactory completion of the program.

Program details for Restoration Youth Crew >>

FAQ

Is this program the right fit for me?
Do you enjoy being outside? Are you looking for an adventure and willing to try new things? The LINC summer high school program is ideal for students ages 15–18 who are open to new experiences, eager to learn new skills, and enjoy working outside and have an interest in ecology. No previous experience is necessary—just an ample supply of enthusiasm.

Participants must be in good health and able to commit to the entire six week period without scheduling conflicts.

How will the program be organized?
The group of no more than 18 individuals will meet each morning at the Fort Mason field office. Students will work 28 hours per week from Tuesday–Friday. Each morning the team will meet at 9 am, travel by bus to different project sites, then return to the field office around 4 pm (with some exceptions).

What kinds of service projects are involved?
Past projects include improvements to the Miwok Trail in Marin County, assistance with plant propagation at our Native Plant Nurseries, removal of invasive plants from endangered species habitat, restoration of a historic ship at San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park, and construction of fencing to protect butterfly habitat in the Marin Headlands. These service projects vary each year depending on park priorities and project availability.

What kinds of field trips and workshops are provided?
Field trips and workshops vary from year to year depending on scheduling opportunities. Last year the students took a tour of the San Francisco Solid Waste Transfer and Recycling Center, completed a ropes course at Fort Miley, took a tour of the Animal Resource Center at the San Francisco Zoo, engaged in a mapping and GIS workshop, took a behind-the-scenes tour of Alcatraz and Battery Townsley, developed personal resumes, and engaged in mock interviews.

How does the application process work?
Interested students are required to complete a short application and supply the names of at least one reference (two is recommended). Once reviewed, some students will be contacted for an interview. Final selections will be made by May 1, 2012.

The application deadline is Friday, April 6, 2012. (Feel free to submit your application early). LINC application (PDF)

Send applications by e-mail to earaujo@parksconservancy.org or by mail to:

Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Attn: Eddie Araujo
Fort Mason, Bldg. 201
San Francisco, CA 94123

For more information, please contact Sue Gardner at (415) 561-3067 or sgardner@parksconservancy.org.

Other details
This program is from June 20–July 27, 2012. Students receive a $1,000 educational award upon satisfactory completion of the program. In addition, all students will participate in a four day camping trip to Yosemite during the first week of the program. Camping equipment will be made available and all food will be provided. In general, participants must be in good health and able to hike several miles, as this program involves extensive physical activity.