Youth Programs of the National Scenic and Historic Trails Examples and Lessons Learned
About the National Trails System National Scenic, Historic, and Recreation Trails 19 National Historic Trails, 11 National Scenic Trails Designated by Congress Administered and managed by Federal Agencies Supported in partnership with nonprofit trail stewardship organizations
Partnership for the National Trails System A membership organization comprised of Federal Agency Partners and nonprofit trail stewardship organizations Works to support and advocate for the National Trails System as a united entity Information Sharing Workshops & Conferences Advocacy Coordinates system-wide grants and funding NTS Land and Water Conservation Fund multi-trail youth engagement programs
Overview: Types of Youth Programs Education-Experience Based TTEC, Oregon Trail Journal Project, El Camino Videoconferencing, Saunters, Seeds of Stewardship, SKY, EPIC Patriot Camp Project Based Scout projects Natchez Trace College Program Adventure/Networking Based Alternative Spring Break, University Clubs Service Based Corps Programs
Education-Experience Based: Trails to Every Classroom Target Audience: Teachers Implemented By: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Iditarod National Historic Trail, New England National Scenic Trail Structure: Teacher training workshops = trail inclusive curriculum
Education-Experience Based: Interactive Videoconferencing Target Audience: Middle- School Students Implemented By: El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Structure: virtual classroom learning
Education-Experience Based: Target Audience: Elementary High School School Students Implemented By: Ice Age National Scenic Trail Structure: experience based learning Summer Saunters
Education-Experience Based: Target Audience: Elementary School Students Seeds of Stewardship Implemented By: Arizona National Scenic Trail Structure: experience based learning
Education-Experience Based: SKY (Service Knowledge Youth) Target Audience: Youth ages 13-20 Implemented By: Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Structure: experience based learned
Education-Experience Based: Target Audience: youth ages 10-12 Implemented By: Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail Structure: experience based learned EPIC Patriot Camp
Project Based: Boy Scout Badge Program Target Audience: Boy scouts Implemented By: Various trails Structure: learning or project activities aimed at acquiring badges
Project Based: Natchez Trace Research Education Projects Target Audience: College Students Implemented By: Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail Structure: Research/Education projects
Adventure/Networking Based: Florida Trail Alternative Spring Break Target Audience: College Students Implemented By: Florida National Scenic Trail Structure: Alternative Spring Break Service Projects
Adventure/Networking Based: Outdoor Clubs Target Audience: College Students Implemented By: Appalachian National Scenic Trail Structure: Outings tied with service projects ATC Partner Dartmouth Outing Club
Target Audience: Youth and young adults Implemented By: Various trails Structure: Project specific service projects Service Corps: Various
Other Programs: Appaloosa Horse Club Nez Perce National Historic Trail Not specifically trail-related, but regularly does events on the Nez Perce NHT due to strong tribal connection Club connects youth with horses so they do not need to have their own to participate Regular meetings which teach youth equestrian basics, with special trips out on the trail
Getting Started: Program Goals Outdoor Adventure? Outdoor Classroom? Equestrian Skills? Trail Navigation? Trail Stewardship and Maintenance? Photo at left: the SKY program on the Pacific Northwest NST focuses on training young adults in trail building and crew leadership.
Getting Started Target an Audience Youth who have never been on horseback? Youth who are experienced riders and have their own horses? Youth taking equestrian courses? Club Leaders/Instructors? Recommendation: Pick one specific target audience to start with! The program can always be expanded later!
What Kinds of Resources Are Needed? In many cases, one dedicated individual is enough to get a program or event up and rolling Some programs become extensive enough to require additional staff capacity to administer them on a regular basis Transportation often primary expense Food Expense Extras T-shirts, journals, water bottles, etc. What s already available?
Partnership Possibilities Equestrian-Focused 4H Groups Riding Schools Trail Riding Companies Equestrian Organizations Non-Equestrian Schools Scout/Youth Groups Adventure Companies/Outing Clubs Community Centers/Churches Meet up Groups Diversity Groups Photo at right: Backcountry Horseman have partnered with the Pacific Northwest NST SKY Crews to help pack in supplies for their trail work projects
Where Can Resources be Found? Partnerships Local Foundations Local Businesses REI Grants, Health organizations Local Schools Corps Programs Corps Network 21 st Century Conservation Corps NCCC Example
Funding Wide variety of sources, particularly if the program integrates: Common Core/STEM/literacy educational concepts Health/fitness Environmental Awareness What is funding needed for? Transportation Staff time overhead for administration and participating in events Horse-related expenses?
The Youth Program Market Opportunity Recreational programs do not necessarily need to be heavily subsidized A strong demand for quality youth engagement experiences exist Many parents expect to pay to cover program costs Scholarships for some can be built into general program prices Working with an existing youth programming entity (summer camp, YMCA, Scouts) probably the best approach for marketing such opportunities
Outcomes Youth programs are an investment for the future BUT payoff is often more immediate: New funding sources Membership expansion and engagement Organizational marketing and publicity New partnerships lead to greater capacity
Youth Program Exercise Organization Suggested Youth Program (brief description) What/who is your target audience? What resources are needed? How will these resources be acquired? What partnerships will be needed? If funding will be needed, where will it be sought? How will the program be marketed? What are your desired outcomes? (list 3) What are the anticipated challenges? Who will provide leadership and oversight? How will you prepare for and accept some of these challenges? Bonus question: How will millennials be involved?