TRACE Program Description: TRACE (Teens Re-Imagining Art, Community & Environment) is a teen internship program at 3 South Region parks that promotes environmental learning and community engagement through the arts. At its core, the program cultivates creative activism in its youth participants and emphasizes stewardship, youth leadership and career development.
Participating youth (high school teens) study environmental issues at their parks, attend workshops to develop skills in specific art forms, and meet with local artists, activists and community leaders who concentrate on environmental and community concerns in their work. The program runs, for the teens, 20 hours a week for 6 weeks under the direction of a Counselor and Lead Artist. At each park site, the group addresses one environmental focus/challenge and studies one specific art form.
TRACE Counselor Duties: Lead internship program at one of three participating parks. Attend all planning and orientation sessions. Lead and participate in team-building exercises, park stewardship activities, and community-focused arts initiatives. Work closely with lead artist to develop community partnerships, and envision and execute summer project. Work resourcefully and enthusiastically with teenagers. Plan and accompany youth on field trips to education institution, public functions and/or recreation activities. Supervise youth to ensure their safety and well being. Manage supplies and equipment necessary for activities. Candidates need to be available beginning June 1. Work begins June 14 and continues through August20 and is 30-35 hours a week commitment. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Enrollment in a college or university for Bachelors degree. 2010 salary: $16.21 per hour.
Relevant experience includes: youth development experience with teens, participation in or supervision of community arts project, outdoor and adventure recreational work with youth, high school classroom experience, community organizing related to youth issues, environmental education and advocacy specific to urban locales.
