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Youth Parkway Ambassadors

The Youth Parkway Ambassadors (YPA) program is a 3-month program commitment in which high school students learn about the San Joaquin River and its role in our community, share memorable outdoor experiences with new friends, access and explore multiple Parkway properties, and gain experience planning events, creating outreach materials, and leading outdoor activities at free public open house events.
In the 2022-2023 school year, the River Parkway Trust will be hosting two cohorts of student participants from:
  • Madera South High School (fall semester)
  • Madera High School (spring semester)
The Youth Parkway Ambassadors program gives students the opportunity to develop outdoor and leadership skills at properties along the Parkway. Each cohort then develops their leadership abilities and gains real-world experience planning and leading two free public open house days at the Parkway property of their choice. At open house days, students will teach the activities and skills they’ve practiced to the community with the support of the Trust’s resources and staff.

Program Overview for Cohort #1: Madera South High School

8-10 participants September - December, 2022
3 Month program, consisting of: - 2.5 hour introductory orientation and discussion: Wednesday, September 21st, 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm- Three 6-hour outdoor training days: Saturdays October 1st, October 8th & October 15th- Four 2-hour event planning workshops: Wednesdays October 19th, October 26th, November 16th & November 30th- Two 4-hour Open House events (7-hour program days for participants): Friday, November 11th and Saturday, December 10th Program consists of 44 hours total; participants must commit to attending at least 3/4 of total program time (33 hours)
Join us at Orientation to learn more and submit your application! Youth Parkway Ambassadors Orientation Wednesday, September 21st 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm Room P8, Madera South Transportation provided by MUSD After School Program
At orientation attendees will complete a brief self-assessment of current outdoor skill levels, watch a short presentation on the program, and have the oppotunity to ask questions. Those that are interested in applying after the presentation and Q&A will complete a skills interest form/application and participate in a rountable discussion and additional activities with other potential cohort members. 8-10 applicants will be chosen by MUSD and notified within 1 week of their status.
Open House Events
At open house days, students will teach the activities and skills they’ve practiced to the community with the support of the Trust’s resources and staff.
 December 10th , 2022
Meet Our Parkway Ambassadors
Read stories from our past cohorts and see their impact on the San Joaquin River Parkway.
Cohort 1: Madera South

Program Benefits:

Leadership and Event Skills:
  • Conducting effective meetings and discussions
  • Event scheduling, planning, and facilitation
  • Marketing materials design
  • Community Outreach
  • Public speaking and activity facilitation
  • Program/event evaluation metrics
Outdoor Recreation Skills and Knowledge:
  • Knowledge of local Parkway access sites
  • Canoeing and kayaking
  • Naturalist skills (plant and animal identification)
  • Environmental education and teaching
  • Natural resource stewardship
  • Team-building facilitation
  • Outdoor safety, water safety, and situational awareness
Other Benefits:
  • New friendships
  • Outdoor gear (T-shirt, hiking boots, pullover, backpack, and water bottle)
  • Season park passes for Fresno County Parks and Sycamore Island (Madera)
  • Free food at program events
  • Confidence in learning new skills and teaching others
  • Knowledge of and opportunities to participate in other programs (e.g., River Camp Voyagers scholarships)
  • Opt-in for public acknowledgment of participants (looks great on a college resume!)
  • Introduction to and connections within career paths in natural resources and outdoor recreation
Funding provided by the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (Proposition 64) for the Youth Community Access Grant Program