Teens

Are you in high school or ages 14 to 18? It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do in the future! Take every experience you have and enjoy learning what you like to do. Whether you’re looking to fulfill school requirements to graduate, want to start building your resume, or discover a new interest, we have programs for you!

Here are just a few activities you can do in national parks:

  • Earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours

  • Volunteer

  • Education programs

  • Internships and jobs

Two youth in yellow hard hats use a saw to cut a tubes
Youth Conservation Corps Program

Over the summer, get paid to help parks in areas, such as trail maintenance, facilities maintenance, the arts, living history, and more.

5 young females looking at a park in the woods
Girl Scouts of the USA Partnership

As a Girl Scout, participate in a variety of educational activities or service projects at national park sites, and earn a patch.

Boy Scout in uniform
Scouting America Partnership

As a Scout or Cub Scout, have fun doing educational and volunteer service projects at national park sites, and earn a patch.

Four women in blue and, black, and beige clothing at a table
Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer your time at our 400+ national park sites for various activities, including park programs and events.

A wooden sign lying on a flat surface that reads "National Park Service" in white letters
Pathways Program

This program offers current students and recent graduates paid internships and hiring programs to explore federal career opportunities.

A meadow filled with blooming pale purple asters and scattered stands of subalpine fir trees
Contact Us

We’d love to hear from you. Find ways to connect with us and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X at @NPSYouth.

Related Topics

  • Youth hiking outdoors
    Who We Are

    Youth and young adult programs are designed to connect kids, teens, and young adults to opportunities at national park sites.

  • Several youth jumping for joy
    Ages Up to 13
    Kids & Pre-Teens

    For people in elementary and middle school, learn about programs for kids and pre-teens, related to education, recreation, and service. 

  • Two women smiling with backpacks on, mountain ranger in backdrop.
    Ages 19-30 and Veterans 35 and young
    Young Adults

    Learn about paid internships, fellowships, jobs, volunteer, and recreational opportunities.

  • 2 young women in safety vests and hard hats sit among a pile of rocks and look closely at rocks for
    Work With Us

    Discover jobs, paid internships, and volunteer opportunities with the National Park Service.

  • Event page with text,
    Events

    Discover upcoming and past youth and young adult program related events, including those with our partners.

  • Girl sits in a field writing on her tablet
    Youth and Young Adult Program News

    Read about the latest news, activities, and events going on across our national park sites for youth and young adults.

Last updated: October 9, 2024