Teens and tweens age 9-18 love the peace of mind nature gives them, the exhilaration that nature discovery brings, and the community experience of joining up with a group of kids who share their passion for the outdoors.
Environmental Leaders Program (for High Schoolers: Grades 9-12)
Year-Round
Join Delaware Nature Society’s Environmental Leaders Program for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with nature and make lasting memories. This program is designed for teens who are passionate about the outdoors and want to develop leadership skills while giving back to their community and the environment. The Environmental Leaders Program strives to empower high schoolers to become leaders in environmental conservation, advocacy, and education! Spend 4 weeks (of your choice!) of the summer as a Summer Camp Aide engaging youth in the outdoors, making connections, and building leadership skills. After summer, choose a flexible schedule of events focused on community outreach, career exploration, naturalist studies, recreation, and more!
Attendance
Attendance requirements are designed with flexibility for busy teens.
Summer
- Volunteer a minimum of 4 weeks as a Summer Camp Aide. Monday through Friday from 8 am – 4 pm. Weeks do not need to be consecutive.
- Attend at least 2 out of 3 of the following events in preparation for summer
- Welcome Leadership Retreat: April 27, 11 am – 4 pm
- All Staff and Volunteer camp training: May 31, 10 am – 4 pm
- Environmental Leaders Camp Aide training: June 5, 4 pm – 8 pm
Fall, Winter, and Spring
- One event per season attendance requirement. With many events to choose from, teens can create a participation schedule that works for them.
Timeline
Application Due: April 14, 2025
After you apply:
- Interview and Information Session: March 18, 4 pm – 5:30 pm, March 23, 11 am – 12:30 pm, or April 2, 5 pm – 6:30 pm
- Meet program staff, receive an event list for the year, and have fun!
- Acceptances emailed by: April 4, 2025
- $250 tuition due: April 25, 2025 (Members receive 15% discount)
- Scholarships available.
Program Begins: April 27, 2025
Program Year Ends: March 31st, 2026
Elements
Year One
- Environmental Study: Dive into environmental conservation, education, and advocacy with exclusive activities led by DelNature experts
- Adventure: Seasonal trips and outings for all skill levels
- Volunteer: Engage the next generation of environmental enthusiasts as a Summer Camp Aide
Year Two
Why Stop at Year One?
Ambassadorship: Build on knowledge from year one to become an environmental ambassador for your community
- Professional Development: Embark on specialized project opportunities to explore an array of environmental career options.
- Explore Deeper: Dive deeper into your interests with individualized activities and mentorship from DelNature staff
Trail Ambassadors
(for High Schoolers Grades 9-11)
Tuesday & Thurs, 4:30 – 7pm , September 2022 – May 2023
Monday – Friday, 10 am – 3 pm, June – August 2023
Eight high school Wilmington youth participate as Trail Ambassadors. In this year-round Youth Development Program, youth explore nature, learn to interpret and teach the outdoors to the community, explore careers, and complete environmental community service projects. Part of our RENEW initiative.
Pays a Stipend
Wilmington Youth Environmental Corps (WYEC)
(City of Wilmington Residents Ages 14-18)
Fall and Spring Cohorts
Paid 9-session program for City of Wilmington residents ages 14-18 provides career exploration and exposure to environmental issues. Participants complete after-school sessions held at Dupont Environmental Education Center (DEEC) plus a Saturday field trip. Opportunities for additional hours. This program is run in partnership with City of Wilmington Parks and Recreation Department. Part of our RENEW initiative.
Contact Thea for more information.
Learn About RENEW
The Trail Ambassadors and Wilmington Youth Environmental Corps programs are part of Reaching and Engaging through Nature to Empower Wilmington (RENEW) – our focus to help make the joy of being outdoors inclusive and accessible to all people. Discover opportunities and enriching experiences for you, communities and our environment and learn how to get involved with RENEW!
Summer Camp – Attend a Camp or Become a Camp Counselor
Summer Camps for Teens
Attend one of our Summer Camps for teens.
Become a Summer Camp Counselor
Become a Summer Camp Counselor – we have paid positions and volunteer positions.
More Programs & Activities
Check out family activities on our Activities Calendar or just come on by our main locations for Drop-in Programs.
Be Notified When Registration Opens
Be the first to know when new classes and opportunities open for teens and tweens.