Yampatika - Steamboat Springs, Co
From RPTSWiki
Yampatika
2007 Summer Naturalist
Organization Overview:
Yampatika is a non-profit Organization in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It provides educational services for all ages, though it concentrates on educating children. The programs that Yampatika offers are split into three main categories: Kids Programs, Weekly Tours including Heritage and Nature Hikes, and Special Programs. Though Yampatika concentrates on the program implementation, it also offers other services to the community including a resource library for teachers and volunteering at local events. Mission: "To inspire stewardship by educating and connecting people to their natural environment."
Intern Responsibilities:
Duties:
- Preparing and presenting interpretive programs and hosting tours.
- Leading hands-on nature discovery programs for pre-school and elementary school age children.
- Assisting with curriculum and program development.
- Updating curricula and materials for hands-on Discovery Boxes.
- Promoting Yampatika’s mission and programs throughout the community
Qualifications:
- A sincere interest in the field of interpretation/environmental education
- A Bachelor’s Degree or current enrollment in a degree program or related experience in the field of resource education
- Experience working with the public, including children
- Confidence speaking in public and good written communication skills
- An enthusiastic, positive attitude and excellent customer service skills
- Willingness to take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities
- Self-motivation in accomplishing tasks
- Show of competence and professional conduct on the job
Benefits and Opportunities:
Because Yampatika is a recently reformed and fledgling organization, it can't offer much to its employees yet aside from the $9/hr wage.
Achievements:
I would like to say that simply completing the internship was an achievment. Planning and implementing a program from scratch for kids aged 3-11 (mostly 3-6) is no small feat. However, I also believe that I helped Yampatika's reputation in the Steamboat community by volunteering at local events such as The Free Family Fun Fest and Teddy Bear Picnic this summer among other events. My co-worker Jada and I were charged with developing new week-long programs for the older 7-11 years olds for week long camp programs, and successfully planned 3 themes for 6 weeks. Most of all I feel as though I've impacted many children's lives in a positive way by helping develop their ideas and understanding of nature. The best reward I received this summer was simply positive feedback from so many of the parents.
Contact Information:
Yampatika
925 Weiss Dr.
PO Box 773342
Steamboat Springs, Co 80477
Phone: 970-871-9151
Executive Director - Jennifer Wright
Email: jenn@yampatika.org
Website: http://www.yampatika.org
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