Youth Ambassadors for Southwest Cultures. During a time where conversations are more global than they are local, our connection to place and community has never been so important. Youth Ambassador Interns explore, experience and connect our community to the various stories and realities that make the Borderlands, Sonoran Desert and sky islands mountains so diverse and resilient. In fact, the skills youth practice within this internship ranging from hikes on our public lands to exploring the back alleys and the backs stories of our urban ecosystem are paramount to staying informed in these changing times. Youth Ambassadors are responsible for developing a 3-5 minute long interpretive presentation around selected research topics.
Project Description: Youth Ambassadors for Southwest Cultures use mapping tools, storytelling, and outdoor experiences to explore borderland landscapes and intersectional environmental concepts throughout the Santa Cruz River Valley. Interns will work collaboratively to curate personal stories that amplify their voice and showcase their experiences and perspectives relating to the unique ecology and culture heritage of the Southern Arizona Borderlands.
Adventure and Learning: Interns work with National Park Service rangers and Ironwood Tree Experience staff to develop strong interpretive storytelling skills and an in-depth understanding of the intersectional environmental history of the Santa Cruz River Valley and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Interns are required attend all hybrid zoom sessions and weekend field excursions to various ancestral and public lands.
Internship Dates: March 2021 – Saturdays (All Day), Wednesdays (Afternoon Zoom Sessions), Final Showcase April 4th, 2021.
YASWC March 2021 Schedule Overview
| Month | Date | ACTIVITY | Activity Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| March | Sat 3/6/21 9AM-3PM | Orientation and Exploration | Tumacacori/Tubac |
| Wed 2/10/21 3PM-4:30PM | Neighborhood Assessment | Zoom | |
| Sat 3/13/21 9AM-3PM | Storytelling and explorations | Madera Canyon | |
| Wed 3/17/21 3PM-4:30PM | Neighborhood Assessment | Zoom | |
| Sat 3/20/21 9AM-13PM | Story Telling and Exploration | San Xavier del Bac | |
| Wed 3/24/21 3PM-4:30PM | Neighborhood Assessment | Zoom | |
| Sat 3/27/21 9PM-3:00PM | Urban Exploration | Mission Garden and Chuk-son Trail | |
| April | Sat 4/3/21 10AM-11:30AM | Celebration | Santa Cruz River |
