Our 2nd annual
Youth Outdoor Career
& Leadership Summit!
will take place August 12th - 15th
Summer 2026 registration coming soon!
What is Youth Outdoor Career Leadership Summit?
"YOCLS" is a hands-on, 4-day workshop with guest speakers that aims to improve leadership & career skills in youth. Held on the OSU Campus, explore outdoor careers, connect with youth internships, jobs, and education opportunities across Oregon! This summer, the OSU Extension Outdoor School program, in collaboration with KidSpirit, Juntos/Open Campus, 4-H and SeaGrant, will be hosting the first annual Youth Outdoor Career & Leadership Summit!
This 4-day event will bring together 50 youth aged 14-18 from across Oregon in an engaging summit featuring leadership and skill workshops, outdoor career exploration, and the opportunity to connect with peers and mentors from OSU extension youth-serving programs and beyond.
Previous experience with OSU Extension youth programs not required.
Experience Campus Life!
While students are attending YOCLS they will get their first experience on Campus, helping them see if thats the right fit for them! During this four day seminar YOCLS campers will
- Stay in a dorm on OSU campus
- Eat in OSU dining halls
- Attend workshops with OSU professionals
Discover your Passion, Ignite your Career
Join us for another summer of career exploration on the OSU Campus! See all the exciting career paths that outdoor careers have to offer! YOCLS gives students the opportunity to learn about all the potential paths they could pursue, helping them find their passion.
- University
- Community College
- Internships
- ROTC
- Peace Corps
- Trade School
- Workforce
Summer 2026 Theme: Discover your Passion, Ignite your Career!
Summer 2026 Classes TBA
| Workshop name, date and time | Workshop Description |
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Workshop Descriptions Coming Soon!
Workshop Descriptions Coming Soon!
Career Education Starts with Exploration
Career education and workforce development research continues to show the importance of exposing students to a wide variety of trades, jobs, and career fields. The Youth Outdoor Career and Leadership Summit will introduce youth to a wide range of career opportunities within the outdoor and environmental fields and highlight how their experience in leadership programs prepares them for success.
Many Paths to Success
The Youth Outdoor Career and Leadership Summit will be hosted on the OSU Corvallis Campus, but we believe that a 4-year college education is only one of many avenues to career and personal success. We seek to encourage students' excitement about learning and pursuing their passions and interests by taking advantage of all available opportunities, such as community colleges, career & technical schools, internships, apprenticeships, and more.
Interested, but not quite ready to register?
Call us at 541-737-KIDS (5437) or email [email protected] for more information!