ELC GreenTeen! volunteers have the opportunity to earn community service hours for school, build a resume, work as an ELC camp counselor, learn about conservation & the local environment, make a difference in our community through a NOAA project, & make new friends.
The ELC GreenTeen! program is flexible to fit our busy teens’ schedules from June 2020-March 2021. Applicants must be between the ages of 14 – 18 (must have completed 8th grade or higher upon start of summer camps on June 3). New this year, we are also seeking 2 – 3 GreenTeen! Parent Leaders to assist with the program. Please contact Sarah Christopherson at SarahC@DiscoverELC.org if you’re an interested parent!
The GreenTeen! responsibilities include:
Assist ELC Environmental Educators with summer day camps as camp counselors (minimum 1 full camp session, but most GreenTeen!s will be scheduled for 2 sessions, 3-5 days)
Attend educational lectures, workshops & classes provided by ELC or its partners (minimum 3 workshops)*
Lead nature-based activities at annual public events, assist with aquariums including the Touch Tank, & work as camp counselors during ELC school break camps throughout the year (minimum 3)*
Participate in the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Planet Stewards Education Project. New this year, GreenTeen!s will participate in the ELC’s Single Use Plastics Advocacy Program through beach clean-ups & plastic pollution analysis, creation of a marine debris art display, & advocating to local businesses to reduce single-use plastic products at their facilities (minimum 3)*
*Seniors graduating in spring of 2020 are exempt from these requirements, but still encouraged to participate when able.
The GreenTeen! volunteer program is competitive & only accepts a total of 30 responsible, driven & enthusiastic teens, so please be thorough in your application responses. We expect teens to treat this opportunity with maturity & professionalism, & contact Environmental Educators directly via phone or e-mail when necessary. It is important that teens have access to reliable transportation & the ability to arrive on time & be picked up on time.
For those accepted, the tuition for the program is $50, which covers the cost of the t-shirt, lecture & workshop admittance, four free admission passes to the ELC, food & supplies for GreenTeen! orientation, & professional training by ELC Environmental Educators. Scholarship funding is available to those who qualify; please contact ELC Environmental Educator, Sarah Christopherson (SarahC@discoverelc.org) if you’d like to receive more information about qualifying. GreenTeen! Handbook
Applicants must:
Complete online application in its entirety by May 1. This should be done by the teenager applying, not a parent or guardian. Parents/Guardians: read and check acknowledgment box for the indemnification & hold harmless agreement on the online application. Read GreenTeen! Volunteer Handbook in its entirety & check acknowledgment box on the online registration.
Benefits of the GreenTeen! Program:
- Make a difference in our beautiful Indian River Lagoon community
- Build your resume
- Earn community service hours for school
- Attend nature-related lectures & workshops free of charge
- Make a difference in our community by helping to eliminate single use plastic pollution through the NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project
- Four free passes to visit the ELC with friends & family
- Share your love for the environment with ELC guests
- Learn about conservation & the local ecosystem
- Obtain experience working with children in day camps
- Form friendships with like-minded teens who love the outdoors
- Explore environmental, education & conservation related careers
- Sport a very special ELC GreenTeen! t-shirt that’s yours to keep
- Go behind the scenes of ELC’s aquariums & learn how to care for aquarium critters
- End of program party & awards ceremony
Questions about the GreenTeen! program, scholarships, or the application process should be directed to ELC Environmental Educator, Sarah Christopherson via e-mail at SarahC@discoverELC.org or by phone at 772-589-5050 ext. 108
For more information, please visit https://www.discoverelc.org/greenteen-volunteers
The Environmental Learning Center is a 64-acre 501(c)(3) not-for-profit nature center. Our mission is to educate, inspire and empower all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being. The ELC serves the community through school field trips, camps, lecture series, professional development and more. Our campus includes native plant gardens, boardwalks, kayaks, canoes, a pontoon boat, children’s play area and many other amenities that help increase access to nature for people of all ages.