Who should apply to the Summer Youth Forestry Institute (SYFI)?
The SYFI is open to all high school students in King County. Desired qualifications include:
- An interest in science, natural resources or environmental careers
- A willingness to work outdoors in all kinds of weather
- An ability to work with other teens
- Punctuality and enthusiasm for learning new things
What will I do each day?
Most days will be spent working in groups to collect data in a forest. Activities will include using a map and compass to locate study plots, identifying trees and shrubs, measuring their size and age, and other tasks. You will receive training on how to do these tasks. The study site is a densely vegetated forest and you will need to dress appropriately to work safely and efficiently (i.e. sturdy clothes and shoes that can get dirty, rain gear as needed). Later in the program, you will take the data you have collected and organize it into a report that will help the forest’s owners make decisions. Also, there is an educational component to the program in which you will learn about forest functions and values to our society, and about possible career paths in natural resources.
About once a week, we will take a field trip to learn about other aspects of natural resources management. We will also spend some time on the University of Washington campus at the College of Forest Resources.
What is the time commitment?
As a SYFI participant you commit to working for the full program, Monday through Thursday, June 30th through July 31st, 2008. The day begins at 9:30 am and ends no later than 4:00 pm. These hours do not include the time it takes to get to and from the work site. You also must attend a two-hour orientation session one or two weeks prior to the program.
What are the benefits?
You will be paid up to $800 for your service in the program.* Alternatively, you may be able to earn service learning credit or course credit for your participation (contact your school counselor to determine whether this is possible).
You will gain practical experience using hand-held measurement instruments and recording data, skills which are applicable to a wide range of science fields. You will get to know other teens that share your interest in the outdoors, and have fun working together!
*The SYFI is open to all students in King County, regardless of citizenship status or work eligibility. However, only those eligible to work in the U.S. can be paid for their participation. An alternate non-cash incentive will be provided to those participants who are not eligible to work in the United States.
Where will I be working?
You will be spending the majority of your time at Taylor Mountain Forest, which is in eastern King County between Issaquah and Maple Valley. At other times, the group will meet at the University of Washington or will take a field trip.
Is any special equipment needed?
All field equipment will be provided, but you will need sturdy outdoor footwear and clothing (long pants and long-sleeved shirt).
Is transportation provided?
Van transportation is provided for those needing it. If your application is accepted, we will work with you to identify a meeting point accessible to you, such as a Park and Ride or Metro Transit Center, and you will be picked up and dropped off there each day.
What is the selection process?
The SYFI has space for ten participants and an application is required. Applications are available here or by calling 206-205-3132, and are due by April 18th, 2008. Qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.
Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.
The creation of this program was made possible by a grant from the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, awarded through the Natural Resource Stewardship Network. |
The Summer Youth Forestry Institute (SYFI) is a program which engages King County youth in meaningful summer employment, teaches science and natural resource skills, raises awareness about the functions and values of forests in our landscape, and enhances the management of public forest lands through community-based research. In summer 2007, a group of King County teens were the first-time participants in this innovative and exciting forestry education program. 
surement tools and techniques, forest ecology, forest management options, and more. Additionally, the students are joined each day by different guest speakers, who shared with the students their experiences and passions for forestry and natural resource management. This program is a unique, and important, opportunity for teens to be actively engaged in natural resources and to be exposed to an exciting academic and career field. Participants earn an $800 stipend and receive van transportation to the field site.
