Do you enjoy being outside? Are you looking for an adventure and willing to try new things?

APPLYING

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Linking Individuals to their Natural Community (LINC) is a summer internship program for high school students based in the Golden Gate National Parks. The six-week program will begin with a 4-day camping trip at a National Park during which participants will support a service project, engage in team building, explore the sites, and go an adventurous hike. Through the rest of the program, students assist with service projects, gain career and leadership skills, and take field trips to special park sites such as Alcatraz and Muir Woods. Projects and activities vary by week and include trail work, plant propagation, and habitat restoration. In addition, students will get the opportunity to learn more about ecology and science. This year the program will culminate with a special 4-day backpacking trip across the Golden Gate National Park, ending with a community celebration at the Crissy Field Center.

Questions and Information

Is this program the right fit for me?
Do you enjoy being outside? Are you looking for an adventure and willing to try new things? The LINC summer high school program is ideal for students who are open to new experiences, eager to learn new skills, and enjoy working outside. No previous experience is necessary—just an ample supply of enthusiasm.

How old do I have to be to participate?
All applicants must be currently enrolled in high school. Current high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors are all welcome to apply to the program. 

How will the program be organized?
The LINC program consists of two teams, one in Marin County (LINC: Tam) and another team based in San Francisco (LINC: Golden Gate). Each session will consist of a team of 17-20 students who will meet each morning at our park offices. LINC: Tam participants meet at the MMWD headquarters in Corte Madera, and LINC: Golden Gate participants meet each morning at Fort Mason in San Francisco. With the exception of overnight camping and backpacking trips, students will work 8 hour days, 4 days per week (Tuesday thru Friday) for a total of 6 weeks. 

What are the dates of the program?
Both LINC programs will start on Monday, June 18th and end on July 28th. 

Is transportation provided?
Once students arrive at the office, all transportation to the field sites is provided. The LINC: Golden Gate team provides a morning carpool from the Civic Center Bart Station to our office at Fort Mason. For LINC: Tam, the Golden Gate transit Larkspur bus stop is within walking distance of the MMWD headquarters. 

What kinds of service projects are involved?
LINC interns provide a wide variety of service for the parklands and local open space. Past projects have included maintaining trails, growing plants at our native plant nurseries, creating habitat for endangered species, restoring historic sailing ships, and building fences to protect sensitive park sites. These service projects vary each year depending on park priorities and project availability. 

What kinds of field trips and workshops are provided?
Field trips and workshops vary can from year to year depending on scheduling opportunities. Students in years past have gone on ropes courses and taken behind-the-scenes tours at Alcatraz. Through workshops, LINC participants will get the chance to develop personal resumes, learn medicinal uses of California native plants, and more! 

What if I've never backpacked or camped before?
No previous camping experience is needed to participate in the LINC program. Our leaders will teach you all you need to know, and will create an accessible and fun environment for everyone excited to sleep outside under the stars. All gear and meals will be provided for the overnight trips.

Tell me more about the 4-day backpacking trip.
Both LINC teams will join together for an adventure-filled 4 day backpacking trip the final days of the program. The journey will begin at Stinson Beach, wind its way through the GGNRA parklands, and include a trek across the Golden Gate Bridge for a final celebration at the Crissy Field Center. The group will be supported by a range of Park Service and Conservancy staff and interns. Special campfire programs will be offered at night, and hearty delicious food will be served along the way. All of the basic gear and food will be provided, and each of the youth will be trained and prepped over the course of the six week LINC program. Family and friends are encouraged to join the final celebration at the Crissy Field Center which will include a BBQ lunch, lots of ice cream and a short graduation celebration.

Does the program cost anything?
The LINC program does not cost anything. Youth who complete the LINC program will receive a cash award of $1000. Limited funding is available to offset commute expenses for those who qualify.

How do I apply?

Follow this link to apply for the 2018 summer program.

What is the best way to prepare for the interview?

Read this FAQ for tips on how to prepare for the interview.

For more information, please contact:
LINC: Golden Gate Elsa Calvillo at ecalvillo@parksconservancy.org
LINC: TAM Price Sheppy at psheppy@parksconservancy.org