We support young people in their journey to fulfill service hour requirements for high school graduation and various honor society programs. When maple season arrives, we are there to help collect data on the trees in our sugarbush and in early spring we begin sprucing up the grounds for the coming summer. No matter what, we always try to have a laugh or two.

If you are interested in participating in our youth volunteer opportunities, please fill out the Youth Volunteer Application. Sign-ups for initial volunteer opportunities can be done in the application. Must be between the ages of 13-18 to apply.

If you are a member of a high school club, a guidance counselor, or a student engagement coordinator and would like to plan a service day with Cincinnati Nature Center, reach out to Youth Volunteer Coordinator Jeremy Garlock at jgarlock@cincynature.org. Let’s discuss how Cincinnati Nature Center can best support you!

Through our volunteer Leader-in-Training (LIT) program at Cincinnati Nature Center, our goal is to help our teens (ages 14-17) develop leadership skills for life.

Our LITs are a vital part of our camp team. “Camp is for the campers,” and LITs play an integral role in providing the best possible experience in nature for the youth who attend our camps. From helping our counselors on nature hikes, to leading games, to being positive role models for campers, our LITs fill an important niche at camp.

Who can apply?

Teenagers with a passion for nature who are interested in helping to inspire that passion in our campers. Ages 14-17 may apply. (Ages 18+ may apply to become camp staff.)

• Volunteering to help inspire passion for nature in our campers is not only fun, but it also helps teens acquire service hours for school or other programs.

• Attend training and gain hands-on experience at camp that will help you develop leadership skills for life. We focus on, but are not limited to, skills such as teamwork, initiative, communication, and being a positive role model.

• Meet and get to know other teens that are also passionate about nature and are excited to share their love of the outdoors with children.

• Be an important part of our inclusive camp family. We greatly value our LITs and see them as part of the team!