Youth Advisory Council

“Make no decision about me, without me!”

Teens to Trails’ Youth Advisory Council assists in designing programs that are exciting, inclusive and growth-oriented for Maine School Outdoor Clubs. We are an organization that serves youth, and your voices are included in the decisions we make and the priorities we set. 

Leadership Council size: 6-10 students

Term: Up to four years, unless graduating or other conflicts arise.

Qualifications:

  • Students in grades 9-12

  • You’re a member of your school Outdoor Club and interested in learning/practicing leadership and sharing ideas.

  • Your club is registered with Teens to Trails

  • Not more than one council member per school

  • Pledge to attend and contribute to monthly online meetings September-May

  • Do your best to attend Adventure Bound camping weekend in May

Responsibilities and Benefits:

  1. Teens to Trails board, staff & community members will support & contribute to the group, providing mentorship, career contacts or other resources desired by the YAC.

  2. Council members design their leadership model

  3. Monthly one-hour online council meeting September - May

  4. Offer feedback on program design to Teens to Trails staff

  5. Review/contribute to web and social media content

  6. Plan student activities and attend Adventure Bound, our May white water rafting weekend on the Kennebec River in Caratunk.

  7. End of season summary and feedback meeting online in late May

  8. Fully participating council members receive a stipend of $150 in June

Being a member of the YAC provided experiences to get out into the community, and opportunities to meet with people who share my interests. I could not have done this without Teens to Trails.
— Kristian Keef, Brunswick High School
With only one meeting a month and additional projects that we have requested, it is very easy to make being a part of the YAC work with school, sports, homework, and other activities.
— -Else Goebel-Bain, 2022-23 YAC member