Despite living in a county that is about 90 percent forested, many Skamania County youth have few linkages to and little knowledge of the surrounding forest. With changing economies, youth also have few employment opportunities nor many chances to develop job experience. Additionally constrained resources, forest managers and communities need help completing projects that benefit the health of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. These three challenges make this forest youth program a success for Skamania County!
Forest Youth Success is a program of unique partnerships between:
- WSU Extension 4-H Adventure Education
- Stevenson Carson School District
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- Skamania County
- Mount Adams Institute
Skamania County young adults employed by FYS Program learn-by-doing. WSU 4H Challenge programs create a safe, hands-on learning environment that achieve the following goals for the program:
- teach the fundamentals of forest ecology and forest health management
- Enhance and develop positive life skills to increase employability (self confidence, communication, teamwork, group problem solving)
- Develop a sense of responsibility for the forest and Skamania County communities
- Achieve infrastructure and ecosystem management objectives on the south end of the GPNF and nearby communities
- Provide basic job skills while earning a minimum wage stipend to participating youth and employ local adults as crew leaders
For more information contact:
Somer Meade, WSU Skamania County Extension 4-H, somer.meade@wsu.edu 509.427.3932
We are cautiously optimistic about our 2021 season! Please note, our recruitment window is very short due to COVID-19. Due to the ongoing pandemic, we are unable to guarantee employment and the season could be cancelled at any time. We will take every precaution, and safety protocols will be strictly enforced.
- All Applications are due Monday, June 7th
- Interviews will be scheduled for the week of June 7th
- Orientation for youth and their grown ups is scheduled for Saturday, June 19th at 1:00pm via Zoom
- Our season will begin Monday, June 28th with Adult Crew Leaders reporting for duty that day. We will hold a virtual training for all staff (teens included) on Tuesday, June 29th at 1:00pm. Crew Mentors will start on Thursday, July 1st. Crew Members will start on Monday, July 5th.
View our Hiring Flier at the bottom of the page for more specifics. We look forward to connecting with you!
Requirements for Youth
Forest Youth Success is a paid summer work program for teens living in or on the border of Skamania County. All teens must:
- Be current 8th-11th graders
- Complete an Application and an Interview
- Attend the virtual orientation with their family
- Be available to work Monday-Friday from July 1st-August 13th (~8am-4pm)
Students in 8th & 9th grade can apply for the position of Crew Member, and will earn $11.47/hr.
Mondays-Thursday will be dedicated towards trail work and maintenance for our project partners. Fridays will be learning days, completed from home. We will have virtual guest speakers, field trips, and independent learning activities.
For more information, check out About Applying for FYS (PDF).
To Apply, complete the online application by clicking on the button below or download the PDF and once completed, email it to FYS@scsd303.org.
2021 Youth Application (PDF)
The 2021 Application Period for Youth is Closed. Watch for news about our FYS Club starting this fall!
Requirements for Adults
We have 5 adult positions open this year. Adults over the age of 21 are able to apply for the Program Coordinator position and Adult Crew Leaders. The position descriptions can be found below.
To be considered for a position:
- Submit an SCSD Classified Application to FYS@scsd303.org
- Complete an interview via Zoom with the FYS Advisory Board
- Have a driver’s license and be willing to drive a 8-passenger van with teens
- Commit to working Monday-Friday, June 28th-August 18th, 2021
- Have an interest in working with teens on a variety of life, professional, and technical skills
- Be able to work outside in all conditions, and traverse a variety of terrains
- Be able to work from Carson, WA Monday-Thursday and from home on Fridays
Applications for Adult Crew Leader are open until filled!
Important Documents:
SCSD Classified Application (PDF)
Program Coordinator Position Description (PDF)
Adult Crew Leader Position Description (PDF)
