Do you know a teen aged 14 to 17 who is interested in working with kids in the outdoors? The exciting new LYNX Teen Leaders program from the Humber Arboretum offers the tools and skills to help teens create exceptional experiences for children exploring nature under their guidance. 

What is the Leading Youth in Nature Experiences (LYNX) Teen Leaders Program?

Whether teens are already volunteering with kids in their community, hoping to get thier first job at a summer camp, or are planning a career in education, the LYNX series from the Humber Arboretum is here to help them become the best nature mentor they can be.

The levelled LYNX learning series expands on and replaces the Humber Arboretum's previous Leader-in-Training (LIT) program for teens interested in working at the Humber Arboretum's Summer Nature Camp. LYNX Teen Leaders is open to all; participants do not need to have been a Nature Camper or be intending to work at Nature Camp in the future to take part in LYNX.

LYNX Level One, Virtual

This stand-alone, 20-hour program combines virtual group sessions with self-directed activities for a week-long introduction to leading youth in nature. Participants who successfully complete LYNX Level One, Virtual (which includes full attendance, engaging in discussions, and completing all self-directed activities) will be issued a certificate from the Humber Arboretum recognizing their accomplishment.

Who

LYNX Teen Leaders is open to participants aged 14 to 17.

No prior experience is required for LYNX Level One; this session is both an excellent introduction for those who are hoping to work with children in the future, and an in-depth look at designing and facilitating nature experiences for teens who are already working in leadership positions with kids.

Because it is entirely virtual, participants are welcome from anywhere in the world. Some specific examples and activities will focus on the ecosystems of Ontario, however the skills and concepts will be useful anywhere.

What

Under the guidance of the Humber Arboretum’s experienced Nature Education team, LYNX participants will learn about topics such as:

• An introduction to the two-eyed seeing approach to nature connection
• Designing activities that help develop "ecosystems thinking"
• The importance of activity sequencing, and why and how to debrief after an activity
• The difference between “busy” and “engaged”
• Hazards vs Healthy Risk
• How to be a nature mentor
• Asking and encouraging great questions
• Adaptability, problem solving, and self-care in the outdoors
• Communication skills: Explaining activities, communicating across cultures, and talking to parents
• Citizen science and ecological stewardship

And more!

When

LYNX Level One takes place over five days.

March Break, Monday March 14 to Friday Friday March 18, 2022

Daily Schedule

Where

LYNX Level One is entirely virtual and will be held via Zoom. Participants may join from anywhere with an internet connection. 

How

The 20-hour virtual LYNX Level One program costs $250 plus HST per family device. Siblings within the age group are welcome to share a screen under one registration. Families with three or more siblings participating may use up to two devices under one registration.

Registration deadline: 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, March 10

Register now for LYNX Level One