Youth Programs

Elevation

Photo: Luke Frank
Youth Programs

Elevation

Elevation registrations open Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Click here to register

High School students! Seward Park Audubon Center wants to collaborate with you to bring environmental justice to our local communities. In this program, you'll have the opportunity to make a big impact in conservation and advocate for climate change action and sustainability. Elevation is the place where your ideas are celebrated, your voice is heard, you can be yourself, connect with your peers, and help your community thrive. In this program, you are empowered to determine what is most important for you, which skills you want to develop and what environmental actions speak to your values and your truth. We believe that you already have everything you need, and we recognize your talent and capacity to take action.

Elevation registration opens Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Click here to register

Our program offers 3 different cohort opportunities:

  • Conservation and research: As a team, you will have the opportunity to participate in reforestation and restoration events through the Green Seattle Partnership. Together we’ll develop an experiment of your choosing, research objective, or conservation project and conduct fieldwork to test our hypothesis.

  • Journalism and social media management: In this cohort you will be the reporters of the program. You’ll manage the program’s blog where you’ll journal about our efforts. You’ll have an opportunity to create your own think pieces and enact social media campaigns. You will lead our policy and outreach campaigns, photography and video editing efforts. Essentially, you’re the program's PR manager.

  • Policy, community outreach and action: In this cohort, we will develop a grassroots campaign that actively engages our local community. We will present our climate action and conservation lobbying efforts, petitions, and advocacy initiatives to the State Legislature, meeting with our representatives to promote environmental justice, conservation, and climate change action.

Our cohorts meet two Saturdays each month, offering you the chance to earn service-learning credits while actively participating in impactful environmental justice campaigns and meaningful conservation efforts within your local community. Together, we’ll explore amazing locations and connect with young conservation professionals who represent a rich tapestry of ethnic and cultural diversity, including LGBTQIA+ identities. Throughout the program, you’ll develop invaluable leadership skills that will guide you on your chosen career path, all while contributing to a more equitable world—one that prioritizes justice, community, and environmental stewardship. At the end of the program, we’ll celebrate our achievements with a Summit!

Elevation registration opens Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Click here to register

Do you have questions about the Elevation program? Visit the Elevation FAQ page

Elevation Blog

Stay up-to-date with Elevation activities and meet our program's Luminaries. Visit our Elevation Blog

PLEDGE

Have fun! We want you to enjoy your time with us and your time in nature. Help us make this an amazing experience.

Stay with the group. Listen carefully when the group leaders give instructions about sticking with the group or sticking with an assigned partner.

Respect for each other. Our goal is to offer a safe space for everyone participating. We pledge to put forth our best selves when we show up for the program.

Respect nature. During our program, we might be in contact with animals or plants. For your own safety, be mindful of potential dangers, and don't assume you can touch everything. Always ask first.

Respect the rights of other park visitors and animals that live in the park to a pleasant and peaceful environment. Excessive noise or throwing things is extremely stressful to the animals that call the park home.

Dress for the weather. It can always rain in Seattle. Come prepared for rain and cold weather. Try to dress in layers so you can add and subtract, as necessary. Don’t forget your rain jacket, and shoes appropriate for the weather.

Protect the forest. Please place trash where it belongs, in either trash receptacles or recycling. Trash and recycling receptacles are available throughout the park.

Connect to nature. Let’s be present for each other during our program and limit the use of smartphones, tablets, and electronic devices as much as possible. There will be specific times when we will need electronic devices for the program.

Elevation registration opens Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 10:00 AM
Click here to register

Downloadable Resources

How you can help, right now