Ten Reasons to Join the Northwest Service

 

 Academy’s ‘AmeriCorps Outdoors’ Program 

Past participants state that the experience alone is worth it, but if you need more convincing here are ten reasons to join a NWSA Trail Crew or Wildfire Prevention Crew this summer.  

 

Work Outside in Beautiful Places From May 19th to October 24th, crews spend the summer living and working in the great outdoors. Participants grow stronger by the week as their bodies acclimate to the rigors of the trail. Explore the Pacific Northwest Trail crews serve in the National Forests of Washington, Oregon and California. Crew members work, live and play in some of the most beautiful places in the country.    Secure Money for School and Defer Current Loans Participants earn a $4,725 (full year) or $2,362 (half year) education award for future schooling at accredited institutions or past college loans. Also, qualified loans are eligible for deferment while in the program. Earn a Modest Living Stipend and Health Insurance While no one has ever gotten rich, participants earn enough money to cover their basic needs and are provided basic health insurance. Trail Crew Members and Wildfire Prevention Members are also provided room and board. Make Professional Connections Northwest Service Academy partners with outstanding natural resources agencies and non profits such as the U.S. Forest Service and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Many past participants have found permanent positions with their sponsors. Develop Marketable Skills Throughout the season, participants learn and refine skills that make them attractive candidates to employers, especially in the natural resources management industry. Trainings include: backcountry camping skills, tool use and maintenance, first aid and CPR. Meet New Friends Every year, participants converge from across the country to join the program. Motivated by adventure and driven by ideals, the people that come to the Northwest Service Academy are great. Figure Out the Next Step in Life   Many people join the program because they are in a transition; most have either just left college or are thinking about changing careers.  ‘AmeriCorps Outdoors’ provides an opportunity to explore career options and space to think through the possibilities with peers who are making similar choices.  Adventure in the Great Outdoors People join the program because they love the natural world.  The Mount Adams Center is the gateway for outdoor adventure – backpack the Pacific Crest Trail, kayak the White Salmon River, rock climb at Smith Rock or mountain bike in the Columbia River Gorge. Make a Difference 'AmeriCorps Outdoors' is an opportunity to make the world a better place. Protecting, restoring and increasing access to America’s public lands is the perfect way to serve our communities and country.