Step outside. Step up. Spend your summer learning, leading, and growing in the Central
Highlands
The Highlands Center for Natural History’s Teen Internship Program is a hands-on, field-based experience for teens who love the outdoors and are curious about working with kids, education, or environmental leadership. Interns are fully immersed in nature camp life, learning by doing and building real skills that last far beyond summer.
This program is rooted in experiential learning
That means you will not just observe. You will hike, explore, support campers, collaborate with educators, and discover what it means to lead with curiosity, confidence, and care. Along the way, interns form strong connections with one another, mentor younger campers, and develop a deeper sense of place in the natural world.
What to Expect:
Teen interns work 12 hours per week for 4 weeks during Summer Nature Camp.
Schedule:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
- 8:30 am–12:30 pm
Each week, interns are placed with a Summer Nature Camp group led by Environmental Educators and Seasonal Camp Leaders. Camp groups typically include 15–18 campers, ages 3–13.
Most days are spent outside on Highlands Center trails. Interns help support hikes, assist with hands-on activities, model positive leadership, and play an active role in creating a welcoming, engaging camp experience.
This is an energetic, outdoor-focused program that values teamwork, flexibility, and a willingness to jump in.
Please click here to view the full Teen Internship Description.
Who This Program Is For
Applicants must:
- Be 14–17 years old
- Have a strong interest in education, youth development, or the natural world
- Feel comfortable interacting with children and adults
- Be available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 am–12:30 pm
- Attend a required orientation and training week
- Commit to a minimum of 4 weeks of Summer Nature Camp (June 1–June 26), for a total of 48 camp hours, plus orientation.
What You’ll Gain
By the end of the program, interns walk away with both practical experience and meaningful connections.
- A letter of recommendation upon successful completion
- Environmental and educational service hours for resumes and school requirements
- A Certificate of Completion in our Experiential Education Leadership Program
- Experience working with professional environmental educators
- Skills in public speaking, group management, and experiential education
- Opportunities to practice activity planning and program development
- Strong friendships with like-minded teens from across the Central Highlands
- A deeper understanding of local ecology and your role as a steward of the natural world
How to Apply:
- Complete the online application below.
- Submit a letter of recommendation to jgalan@highlandscenter.org
- Jules will reach out to schedule a short interview and answer any questions you may have.
We encourage teens who are curious, enthusiastic, and excited to learn outdoors to apply. No
prior camp experience required, just a willingness to show up, try new things, and grow.
Dates to know:
- 🌱 Teen Intern Kickoff Night: Wednesday, May 20 | 5–7pm
Camp Training: May 26–29- Internship Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays June 2–26 | 8:30am–1
