Get Involved with Outdoor Corps

Youth in grades 9-12 residing in counties where the program operates are able to take part in the Outdoor Corps program. Approximately half of the students participating in the program are female.

Outdoor Corps participants work relatively limited hours during the summer, typically 1-2 days each month. Scheduling is flexible to work around other jobs, family vacations, sports and other summer activities the students may be involved in. Since this is an outdoor activity, however, weather can affect this scheduling.

Participants are required to attend three hours of training in basic limnology and sampling procedures prior to their work. Students are employed through the University of Minnesota and paid (typically $8 per hour) for their participation in training and sampling activities. As part of sampling activities, the students manage the data they collect and summarize it using computer spreadsheets. Students also track and manage program budgets during the summer.

Occasionally students are also asked to present sampling when a client requests a presentation.

One Outdoor Corps program supervisor is also employed in each county by the University of Minnesota. This supervisor accompanies the students during all sampling act ivies associated with the program, including transporting the students between and on lakes and overseeing the collection of the data. All supervisors must pass a criminal background check to ensure the safety of the students participating in the program.

For More Information

For more information about participating in the Outdoor Corps program as a student or a supervisor contact Renee Pardello at pard0017@umn.edu or call (612) 624-6479.