Youth Opportunities

If you are kid or a teenager who loves to hike, there are many ways that you can make a difference for the trails you enjoy.  WTA offers several opportunities to help youth see how their actions can positively affect trails and wild lands throughout Washington.  

Four ways to earn community service hours

1. 

   Many high schools now require students to fulfill community service hours. Washington Trails Association's Volunteer Vacations for Youth offer students an opportunity to earn earn up to 40 hours of community service while making new friends, acquiring new skills and having a great time in the outdoors!

   Join a work party. We love having youth work on trails. Anyone under the age of 18 must be signed in by their parent or guardian. Please download our parental consent form.  Anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.  Work party calendar.
   
2. Participate on a summer Volunteer Vacation for Youth. Join a volunteer vacation just for high school students.  Enjoy a week learning about building and maintaining hiking trails, experienced in a safe, teamwork-oriented environment.
3. Volunteer with WTA’s Advocacy and Outreach Programs. Educating the public about WTA and the policy work we do to protect trails is a great way for youth to learn more about policy and meet some great people. 
   
4. Volunteer in the office.  We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers to give us some extra help in the office. Please call the office for information about available opportunities 206.625.1367.

Take action

Even if you’re not old enough to vote now, you will be one day.  Let your voice be heard today so you have great hiking opportunities tomorrow.

• Join Trail Action Network. Washington Trails Association’s electronic advocacy community let’s you  keep up-to-date on policies that impact the trails we love and provides a quick and easy way for you to make your voice heard on these issues.  Join now.
  
• Write or email your elected officials.  Send a handwritten letter or personal email expressing your support for increased wild land protections and hiking opportunities in Washington State.  Check out our Tools for Activists for other ways to advocate for trails and the protection of wild lands.