What did you do last summer?
Bet it wasn't as fun as canoeing in a mountain lake.
Urban Ecology Center’s High School Outdoor Leaders are a fun, diverse group of area high school students who spend their summer in the city and in the wild learning about the
natural world and sharing their knowledge with others.
In other words, hands-on, active experiences with nature.
As a High School Outdoor Leader you can:
 Explore the natural areas around Milwaukee while building experience in outdoor adventure and leadership skills.
Make a difference by becoming mentors to local school children.
Seek adventure while exploring the ecology of the Greater Teton Ecosystem of Wyoming.
Gain job experience and learn about careers in environmental education, scientific research, outdoor education and more
through a paid internship.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who should apply?
Students who have completed at least one year of high school who are interested in leadership, mentoring, science, education and the outdoors.
 What will we do during the training?
The goal of the training is to prepare you for the internship that follows. Outdoor Leaders will explore urban green spaces in the Milwaukee area while learning how to safely perform outdoor activities such as rock climbing, canoeing and hiking. They will also engage in field research techniques, team-building activities and leadership opportunities. We will spend one full day at Lake Nemahbin learning how to canoe and how to perform a deep-water canoe rescue. At the end of the training, Outdoor Leaders will practice these skills with a group of campers.
What will the internship consist of?
 Under the guidance of a college intern, you will use the skills you learned during the training week to help UEC’s summer camps, Urban Adventures outdoor sports program and environmental research. Outdoor Leaders will work 20 hours per week from July 7-25.
How much do I get paid for the internship?
Upon satisfactory completion of the entire program, including full attendance and participation in the training week, four weeks of internship, trip to the Teton Science School in Wyoming and the public presentation after returning from Wyoming, each Outdoor Leader receives a $600 stipend.
Do I have to pay for the program?
This one-of-a-kind program is valued at $4000. We can offer it to qualified high school students at a very affordable cost based on a sliding scale according to family’s ability to pay (see below). Each Outdoor Leader will receive a $600 stipend at the completion of the summer program and the opportunity to apply for a part time job at the Center for the following school year.
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2007 HOUSEHOLD INCOME
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COST OF PROGRAM
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UNDER $30,000
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$100
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$30,000-50,000
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$250
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$50,000-75,000
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$500
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$75,000-100,000
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$1,000
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$100,000+
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$1,500
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 What about this trip to Wyoming?
We will be staying at the Teton Science School’s field station, just outside of Jackson Hole in Kelly, Wyoming. We will be staying in 2-3 person platform tents. There will be separate tents for males and females. There is a platform tent style kitchen at the field station,
and waterless toilet facilities just outside of the main campsite.
How many chaperones are there on the trip?
We will send two adult chaperones with fifteen students. Upon arrival, the Teton science schoolwill be providing at least two additional staff. While we expect Outdoor Leaders to behave responsibly, staff will be present both during planned activities and down-time. The staff will also stay in tents at the field station with the Outdoor Leaders.
What kind of wildlife might we see?
(Tell me the truth, will I get eaten by bears?)
There is a wide diversity of 
wildlife in the Tetons, including bison, elk, weasels, ground squirrels, wolves and bears. There are both black and grizzly bears, but there is a very slim chance that we would be lucky enough to see them. However, we will take all necessary precautions to ensure our safety. For example, we will put scented items, such as soap and lotion, in bear-proof containers to keep them out of camp.
What kind of spending money will I need on the trip?
Room and board are covered in the tuition fee. However, students may want to bring $20 to $50 for souvenirs or snacks.
How can I continue my internship next school year?
Upon successfully completing the Outdoor Leader program, participants are invited to apply for a year-long internship at the Urban Ecology Center. Four interns will work 8-10 hours per week after school and on weekends. They will continue to use the skills developed through the summer intern as well as assist with working as a receptionist and other tasks related to running the Center.
If you have other questions,
please contact Jamie at (414) 964-8505, x114 or jferschinger@urbanecologycenter.org.
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