Eco Ambassadors, a popular program for science-loving teenagers, is now in its fifth cohort.
Each season, 20 students from all over San Diego County are selected to participate in the program, where they learn from environmental experts and gain hands-on field experience at Mission Trails.
Eco Ambassadors was created by and is managed by the nonprofit Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation and is available free to the community thanks to support from San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E).
Miles Marsh, an Eco Ambassador alumnus and Helix Charter High School student, reflected on his experience of the program: “It has helped me come into my own as a person and I feel more comfortable interacting with others my age. It’s led me to understand what I want to do with my life, which is becoming a park ranger, and has helped me to find out what classes and studies align with that field.”
During each of the program sessions, which typically take place on Sundays, students hear from guest speakers from a range of environment-related fields, including Mark Berninger, Natural Resources Manager for the City’s Open Space Division; Dustin Harrison, Environmental Scientist with the San Diego River Conservancy, a state agency; Carrie Bowers, SDG&E Fire Science Meteorologist; and Allison Bray, SD County Environmental Health Specialist. After the discussion portion of the program, students take to the trails to put their new knowledge and skills to work.
“My favorite part has got to be the hikes we go on during each session; seeing all the birds in the park is such a special experience,” said Marsh, “Mission Trails is one of the coolest places in all of San Diego. Every Sunday I am so grateful and excited to go hike around.”
The 80 teens who have “graduated” so far from the Eco Ambassadors program have learned about potential career paths, built community, and acquired knowledge in various fields of study, preparing them for college or the workforce.
Applications to the Eco Ambassadors program are accepted on a rolling basis.
This summer, the program will take place for one week, from June 16-20, for a full week of learning and exploration at Mission Trails. We encourage all interested high school students in San Diego County to apply. Learn more and apply at: mtrp.org.
Additionally, the MTRP Foundation will host four weeks of summer camp.
Makers in Nature is for children of ages 7-11 and will be offered the weeks June 2-6, June 9-13, June 23-27 and June 30-July 3. Campers will experiment with different art mediums and create sustainable art made from recycled materials. This summer camp is a must for crafty, nature-loving kiddos.
Learn more and register at: mtrp.org.
