Community Programs

Every little bit of the earth needs saving, even those portions that are right in your neighborhood. You know this. That's why you make your parents recycle, it's why you ride your bike instead of driving, it’s why you’re never caught without that reusable shopping bag. If you are a high school student living in one of the communities listed to the right, SCA's Community Programs offer you a way to make a more visible, more enduring impact. You're guaranteed to make friends, improve the health of your city, and start on your way to becoming a leader in the local conservation movement. Community programs will also set you on the path to other SCA opportunities, like National Crews and Conservation Internships.

School Year Program vs Summer Crews

The school year program is active on weekends from September through May, while Summertime Crews do their thing five days a week June through August. Both programs team you up with other local young conservationists to restore parks, waterfronts, and urban landscapes.

School Year Community Programs

As a member of a School Year Community Program you can:

• Volunteer on weekends throughout the school year in the city where you live or receive a stipend/wage to complete service in your community
• Build trails, restore river and lakefront environments, and conserve habitats
• Explore green jobs and the career opportunities that exist in your region
• Learn about your environment through field trips, weekend camping excursions, and
• Give back to your community through service projects


SCA School Year Community Programs offer both volunteer and paid service opportunities. Volunteer programs occur on weekends while some paid service programs require evening and weekend participation. Contact a local SCA office (listed on the right) for programs happening in your community.

Summer Community Crews

As a six- to seven-week summer Community Crew member, you can:

• Develop collaboration and leadership skills while working with 6-12 other high school youth
• Complete trail maintenance and site restoration projects in national, regional, state or local parks
• Learn about your local environment through field trips led by your Crew Leader
• Explore green jobs and the career opportunities that exist in your region
• Plan and go on a recreational trip where you will learn outdoor skills, and participate in activities such as hiking, canoeing, biking and camping, and
• Earn a stipend or wage for your work or receive credit for community service hours

Contact a local program office for more details on the programs near you.