MRCA Youth Leadership Series

Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

Youth Leadership Series Growing Naturalists, Leaders, and Stewards

MRCA Youth Leadership Series MRCA Youth Leadership Series blends the natural world and leadership development through a unique multi-week approach. Participants are from diverse backgrounds with an emphasis on urban youth with limited access to nature. Through this series, youth build strong and lasting relationships with MRCA park naturalists and each other while developing into environmental stewards of tomorrow.

Future Urban Naturalists

Junior Naturalists

Early Elementary Ages 5 - 10

Late Elementary/Middle School Ages 11 - 13

The Future Urban Naturalist program uses parks as outdoor classrooms to maximize hands-on, experiential learning and to promote inquiry in the outdoors. Each lesson uses interactive and age-appropriate activities and games to reinforce the topic, while encouraging teamwork and cooperation amongst each other. This program is the perfect way to introduce youngsters to their “Big Backyard”.

Through critical thinking and practical use of outdoor skills, Junior Naturalists gain a richer understand of cultural and natural resources. Highly integrated teambuilding activities are a key component of the program introducing fundamental leadership skills.

The goal is to inspire both passion and action for the environment that Junior Naturalists can take with them for the rest of their lives.

Topics include: • Building Our Community • Safely Exploring Our Backyard • A “Sense”-ational Start • The Wonderful World of Water • Homes and Habitats • Native Plants in Los Angeles • Who Grows Your Food?

• The Circle of Life • Litter and the Lorax • Culmination Event

Topics include: • Watershed • Wildlife Observation & Identification • Ecology • Outdoor Skills • Orienteering • Basic First Aid • Leave No Trace • Service in Action • Science in Action • Camping Trip • Graduation

About the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) was created in 1985 with a mission to protect and preserve park and open space lands surrounding Los Angeles and is a joint powers authority between the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, the Conejo Recreation and Park District and the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. The MRCA continually strives to make these lands accessible to all residents of Southern California.

Naturalist Explorers

Outdoor Leaders

High School Ages 14 - 18

High School/College Ages 17+

The Naturalist Explorer program focuses on personal and life skills using the environment as a base to build the framework of a responsible citizen. Naturalist Explorers create a meaningful and relevant keystone project from start to finish, including assessment, planning, and implementation. These skills will ultimately help in the transition from teenager to adult.

This innovative, new MRCA program offers recent Naturalist Explorer graduates the opportunity to become paid, part-time staff of the MRCA. Through diverse assignments and interactions with park staff, the Outdoor Leaders will gain valuable work experience and hone their leadership skills.

The goal of this program is to prepare the Outdoor Leaders for success in their future careers.

Topics include: • Ecology Intensive Camping Trip • Principles of Interpretation • Public Speaking on Environmental Issues • Youth-led Ecology Teach Backs • Park Careers in the Field • Community Advocacy • Career Development: Application to Interview • Long Term Service/Science Project • Plan and Organize a Camping Trip • Culminating Camping Trip • Graduation

Tasks typically include: • Assist with other Youth Leadership programs.

• Recruit local youth for Youth Leadership programs.

• Facilitate teambuilding activities.

• Create and present interpretative programs.

• Lead free bus trips from urban communities to the mountains and beaches.

• Opportunity for professional development, such as the California Naturalist Certification.

• Interact with park visitors while working at MRCA nature centers.

• Complete a special project, such as an educational video or community days.

Anahuak Youth Soccer Association and Compton Junior Posse are examples of partnering organizations for our Youth Leadership Series.

Interested in partnering with us? Partnership organization should:

• Be an organized group such as scout troop, Boys and Girls Club, school, community group, or after school program • Have an adult liaison for program • Have their own transportation • Be dedicated to the full multi-week program

Cost: Fee-based program, though subsidized grant funding may be available.

For information, please call 818-878-0866 ext. 228 or Education@mrca.ca.gov

To learn more about the MRCA and our parks: www.mrca.ca.gov www.lamountains.com www.facebook.com/lamountains