How can I apply?
Our application for the 2021 program is open until July 1st-- application will be up shortly! The program is opened to any Alachua County teen aged 15-21. The application includes short writing prompts. No experience is required. Admissions are on a rolling basis with earlier applications receiving preference. Applicants can expect to hear back in two weeks.
What are the costs?
Thanks to our generous donors, there is no required fee. We only ask you to consider whatever donation your financial circumstances allow (in 2019 our approximate cost per student was about $270).
Stipend: To offset potentially lost income from a summer job, we offer a stipend to all accepted students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch.
Who will lead this program?
College students (all CPR/first aid certified) involved in last year’s program will lead daily activities. Working with experienced and trained ACT staff will ensure student safety and provides participants opportunities for mentorship.
How will the part-time schedule be structured?
We will be holding the program 3 days a week for the three weeks of the program. On these days, there will be in person outdoor meetings in the mornings, and some days will also have afternoon virtual meetings.
Why a part-time schedule?
There are two reasons for this change. One is that we want to make the program more accessible to those who are working a job during the summer. The part time program will allow people to continue to work throughout the program without requesting time off, an option many of our students do not have. Take a look at Am I eligible for the Stipend? for more information on how we are making our program accessible this year.
Another reason we will only be meeting in the morning is so that we are not tempted to go inside to escape afternoon heat or thunderstorms, since we are limiting indoor interaction to as little as possible. The mornings are often much more pleasant to do outdoor land management and discussions.
Am I eligible for the Stipend?
Any student who is eligible for free and reduced lunch in public schools is elibible to receive our stipend to attend this program. We understand that many of these students earn money durning the summer to support themselves and their families, and the stipend is meant to supplement what you would be earning at a job during the time that you are attending the program. For any additional questions, please feel free to contact us!
What will a typical day look like?
Our daily schedule will be altered due to the Carona Virus pandemic. Our days will vary from meeting at nature preserves or community areas to perform fieldwork, to exploring Florida's wild spaces and discussing current environmental issues with experts to logging on to a scheduled video meeting in which we will be able to meet remotely with and talk to a local environmental leaders. Out in the field, there will be frequent water breaks, with water and some snacks provided). In person activities will end before lunch, as we want to limit the ammount of time people spend without their masks on.
What qualifications do I need to get into this program?
Students do not need to have any formal background in conservation or outdoors work whatsoever to be a part of this program. We are looking for students who care about Florida’s environment and communities, and who are ready to work hard with and respect their peers and mentors.
Can I get community service hours/ CAS hours for this program?
Yes! Alachua Conservation Trust will present all participants with service hours documentation upon successful completion of the program. However, know that these service hours will definitely involve some heat, bugs, and hard work!
How will transportation work?
In normal years, we organize a carpool for all willing students for all travel to and from project sites during the camp. However, because of COVID-19, all students must completely provide their own transportation. Students will be compensated for gas for travel between project sites. For any concerns or special accommodations please contact us.
Our application for the 2021 program is open until July 1st-- application will be up shortly! The program is opened to any Alachua County teen aged 15-21. The application includes short writing prompts. No experience is required. Admissions are on a rolling basis with earlier applications receiving preference. Applicants can expect to hear back in two weeks.
What are the costs?
Thanks to our generous donors, there is no required fee. We only ask you to consider whatever donation your financial circumstances allow (in 2019 our approximate cost per student was about $270).
Stipend: To offset potentially lost income from a summer job, we offer a stipend to all accepted students who are eligible for free and reduced lunch.
Who will lead this program?
College students (all CPR/first aid certified) involved in last year’s program will lead daily activities. Working with experienced and trained ACT staff will ensure student safety and provides participants opportunities for mentorship.
How will the part-time schedule be structured?
We will be holding the program 3 days a week for the three weeks of the program. On these days, there will be in person outdoor meetings in the mornings, and some days will also have afternoon virtual meetings.
Why a part-time schedule?
There are two reasons for this change. One is that we want to make the program more accessible to those who are working a job during the summer. The part time program will allow people to continue to work throughout the program without requesting time off, an option many of our students do not have. Take a look at Am I eligible for the Stipend? for more information on how we are making our program accessible this year.
Another reason we will only be meeting in the morning is so that we are not tempted to go inside to escape afternoon heat or thunderstorms, since we are limiting indoor interaction to as little as possible. The mornings are often much more pleasant to do outdoor land management and discussions.
Am I eligible for the Stipend?
Any student who is eligible for free and reduced lunch in public schools is elibible to receive our stipend to attend this program. We understand that many of these students earn money durning the summer to support themselves and their families, and the stipend is meant to supplement what you would be earning at a job during the time that you are attending the program. For any additional questions, please feel free to contact us!
What will a typical day look like?
Our daily schedule will be altered due to the Carona Virus pandemic. Our days will vary from meeting at nature preserves or community areas to perform fieldwork, to exploring Florida's wild spaces and discussing current environmental issues with experts to logging on to a scheduled video meeting in which we will be able to meet remotely with and talk to a local environmental leaders. Out in the field, there will be frequent water breaks, with water and some snacks provided). In person activities will end before lunch, as we want to limit the ammount of time people spend without their masks on.
What qualifications do I need to get into this program?
Students do not need to have any formal background in conservation or outdoors work whatsoever to be a part of this program. We are looking for students who care about Florida’s environment and communities, and who are ready to work hard with and respect their peers and mentors.
Can I get community service hours/ CAS hours for this program?
Yes! Alachua Conservation Trust will present all participants with service hours documentation upon successful completion of the program. However, know that these service hours will definitely involve some heat, bugs, and hard work!
How will transportation work?
In normal years, we organize a carpool for all willing students for all travel to and from project sites during the camp. However, because of COVID-19, all students must completely provide their own transportation. Students will be compensated for gas for travel between project sites. For any concerns or special accommodations please contact us.
