The SCA New Hampshire AmeriCorps Program is a partnership between the Student Conservation Association, The New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development, and the Corporation for National and Community Service. Since 1994, SCA NH AmeriCorps has provided nearly one million hours of service to the lands and people of New Hampshire. Each year, 30 full time 18-25 year old volunteers contribute more than 50,000 service hours, providing environmental education programming to the state’s residents and visitors, and completing conservation service projects that improve and protect the state’s cultural, recreational, and natural resources.
From January through April, Interpretive Ranger members teach environmental education to more than 1,000 fourth and fifth grade students in Manchester, Allenstown, and Hooksett School Districts. Collaborating in teaching teams of 2-3 to develop a 10-week curriculum and service learning project, members incorporate NH State Science Standards while fostering connections between the students and their natural world. The teaching teams also lead after school activities in Manchester 21st Century After School programs and the Salvation Army's Kids Cafe program. In May, Interpretive Ranger corps members transition into the Discover the Power of Parks Interpretive Ranger Program. Members start the interpretive season with 3 weeks of school field trips in Bear Brook State Park, guiding over 1000 students in an investigation of park habitats. After additional training in June, the members continue their service in New Hampshire State Parks, connecting with over 20,000 visitors throughout the state. The Interpretive Rangers provide public programs exploring the natural and cultural history of the area, as well as relaying hiker safety and Leave No Trace information to park visitors.
Interpretive Ranger members dedicate 10 months of their lives to serve in communities throughout New Hampshire while contributing as active community members in a residential program called the SCA NH corps. For more general information about the SCA NH corps and other positions available within this program, please visit www.thesca.org/nh.
Service Activities
1. Attend and participate in all training.
2. Work as part of a team to deliver environmental education programming in an elementary school setting.
3. Take on role of Interpretive Ranger, serving as a professional liaison with park managers, handling the logistics of a project, delegating responsibilities, developing emergency response plans, and completing all necessary paperwork.
4. Be an active and participatory team player.
5. Be an active and participatory member of the SCA New Hampshire AmeriCorps community.
6. Comply with all SCA, DRED, and AmeriCorps policies and refrain from any prohibited activities.
Community Need Addressed
Due to increased visitation of parks and public lands in New Hampshire, and the effects of increasingly severe storm damage and extreme weather events; today, more than ever, programs that protect at-risk ecosystems, increase environmental literacy, and prepare our youth to become the next generation of environmental stewards are critical to the future of our environment, workforce, and economy.
Position Outcomes
During the education component of the program all 9 members will serve 4 days per week in one of 13 local elementary schools within the Manchester, Hooksett, and Allenstown New Hampshire school districts teaching environmental focused lessons in a classroom setting.
During the field season of the program all 9 members will serve 5 days per week in one of 12 New Hampshire State Parks delivering interpretive and environmental education programs.
The completion of environmental education projects will result in the increased environmental knowledge, and ecological literacy of the students in the schools in which we serve.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
College Degree
Skills you will gain
Environmental Education training
Wilderness First Responder/CPR certification
Certified Interpreter Guide (CIG) certification
Leave No Trace training
Leadership, Conflict Resolution, and Teamwork Skills training
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines, Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment