The Earth Team is a community-based environmental education apprenticeship that employs teenagers in Chicago’s parks and forest preserves. The program brings together teen communities, educates them to make responsible environmental choices and empowers them to make changes in their world. This paid apprenticeship provides teens, ages 14-19, with hands-on conservation and environmental experiences, not often seen in school curriculum. This hands-on learning method encourages them to, not only discover and gain appreciation for their local natural areas, but also to learn about how their choices impact the world around them.
This summer, teen apprentices at Calumet Park, Humboldt Park and Edgebrook Woods will discover Chicago’s ecosystems through activities focusing on environmental and conservation science. The Earth Team creates a well-rounded teen experience through a variety of activities: adventure recreation, teambuilding activities, scientific research techniques and experiments, art within the environment, field trips and guest speakers. Participants will use their experiences and new knowledge in park and preserve beautification, conservation stewardship and community education and improvement.
Program Details:
Dates: Work starts July 2nd and runs for 6 weeks until mid-August
Time: Teens work Monday-Friday, 9:30am-2pm.
Locations: Calumet Park (9801 S Ave G); Humboldt Park (1400 N Sacramento Ave); Edgebrook Woods (6100 N Central Ave)
Who's Eligible to work with the Earth Team?
*Teens ages 14-19 (up to age 21 with special needs) years old are eligible to apply for the program
*Teens must be registered w/ Mayor Daley’s KidStart program (KidStart’s deadline was April 27th).
*Teens must be residents of the city of Chicago.
*20 teens will be hired to work at each site with 2 instructors.
How to Apply:
Go to the After School Matters website at www.afterschoolmatters.org and link to summer programs. Search for “Earth Team” and choose the site that’s most convenient for you.
