Youth Programs

YES’s Youth Leadership Pathway programs engage youth over ten years, from childhood through young adulthood, from a week of Summer Camp to year-round participation in YES's outdoor and youth development programs. Youth cohorts run from roughly October - May each year.

Explorers

Ages 8-10

Explorers lean into new experiences that nurture their leadership skills through hands-on learning in the natural environment. Through after-school workshops and weekend outings, Explorers grow their social-emotional skills and engage in environmental education and critical thinking.

Explorers participate in outdoor experiences like learning center visits and one overnight camping trip. They can also participate in YES’s Summer, Family, and Winter camps.

For questions & more information, contact Gabriela Perez.

Rangers

Ages 11-13

Rangers continue to build social-emotional and outdoor skills while learning about the natural environment, environmental stewardship, and responsibility to the community.

Rangers participate in biweekly workshops and continue to develop a sense of belonging in and connection to the outdoors through adventures like hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping.

For questions & more information, contact Carlos Guerrero.

“I gained a lot of knowledge about forests and animals and leg muscles.”

Adventure Crew

Ages 11-13

The Adventure Crew is a 10-month environmental program co-led with the East Bay Regional Park Distrcit (EBRPD). While exploring a variety of parks and outdoor landscapes across the region, he group emphasises challenge-by-choice through a variety of outdoor experiences, culminating in a three-night, self-supported backpacking trip.

The Adventure Crew meets every other Saturday and members may also participate in the Rangers cohort.

For questions & more information, contact Kahlil Monteiro.

Youth Engagement Team (YET)

Ages 14-15

As part of the Youth Engagement Team, teens grow from campers into community role models and advocates. YET members build leadership skills by mentoring younger participants, exploring health and wellness, and leading community improvement projects. YET leaders can also participate in outdoor excursions such as rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, and camping.

Through these experiences, they develop and pursue personal goals, become more confident in their voice, learn about local issues, and gain skills to make community improvements.

“ The trips I went on were fun-filled, with opportunities to learn... [they] helped me discover myself, and how I feel for the environment wouldn’t be the same without YES.”

This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Park, Office of Grants and Local.

For questions & more information, contact Anna Kircher.

Coastal Conservation Corps (C3)

Ages 16-18

In the Coastal Conservation Corps, youth continue to practice stewardship and civic action, learning about environmental justice, climate change, and conservation science, focusing on the health of local waterways. This is done through bi-weekly workshops, educational day and overnight trips, local advocacy, and access to recreation and leadership opportunities.

Teens are supported to identify and pursue goals, graduate high school, and access scholarships, internships, and job opportunities to successfully navigate young adulthood and as empowered leaders.

For questions & more information, contact Vencel Alfred.

This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Park, Office of Grants and Local.