Teenagers from the Minnesota are being sought to participate in the 2nd annual National Park Teen Ambassador program in Voyageurs National Park.

The program is sponsored by the National Park Service, Voyageurs National Park Association, and Wilderness Inquiry. The park is encouraging teens from its gateway communities and the Twin Cities to apply to be a National Park Teen Ambassador this summer. The application deadline is April 29.

Participants are part of a student team that:

* Spends eight days in Voyageurs National Park and the Mississippi National River & Recreation Area.

* Learns how to canoe and camp in the parks.

* Explores topics including wildlife research, cultural and natural history, park service careers, and environmental conservation and stewardship.

* Advises national park officials about what matters to teens.

* Gives outreach presentations about their experiences in the fall.

Who should apply?

High school students who:

* will be a high school sophomore, junior or senior this fall.

* are excited about the outdoors, even if you’ve never camped.

* are looking to develop leadership skills and learn more about environmental stewardship.

What is the cost?

There is no participant fee, but full participation is required in both trips and all elements of the program. The program involves two trips, a summer project, and outreach presentations in the fall.

Important dates:

June 11-13 at Mississippi River

July 31-August 4 at Voyageurs National Park

How to apply?

Visit www.voyageurs.org/teenambassadors to print an application or pick one up at park headquarters. Deadline to apply is April 29, 2013.

Completed applications can be dropped off or mailed to:

Voyageurs National Park

Attn: Teen Ambassadors

360 Highway 11 East

International Falls, MN 56649

What the Ambassadors had to say about their experience last year:

“This program is important so that generations to come will also understand how important and special our national parks are.”

“It was really cool to see the stars without light pollution and to see a wolf!”

“I enjoyed everything. The outdoor experience was incredible. We got to see a beautiful natural environment that I never saw before and I’m so thankful for this great opportunity.”

“I think it’s important for our national parks to have Teen Ambassadors because we can go out and experience the park and tell other young people about it to get them interested too. Considering that young people are the future caretakers of every aspect of the country, you want to get them to care more about our national parks so they will 
always be around.”