Our 2nd annual
Youth Outdoor Career
& Leadership Summit!
will take place August 12th - 15th
Register Today
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 second 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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August 13th For the Love of the Land: Environmental Stewardship and Restoration |
Get your hands dirty with the Marys River Watershed Council and learn about community science, monitoring, and restoration. Use hand tools to remove invasive species from native oak habitat, and learn what it takes to work in this exciting field of environmental restoration. (this workshop involves being outside for several hours, using hand tools to do minor work, and walking over uneven ground) |
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August 13th Trailkeepers: Tending the trails in the OSU Forest |
Ever wonder who builds and maintains those trails you love to hike on? It's people like you, and people like the folks at Trailkeepers of Oregon. Join these dedicated trail stewards and explore how trails are designed, built, and maintained, all while helping tend to some beloved local hiking/biking trails in OSU's MacDonald-Dunn Research Forest! (this workshop involves being outside for several hours, using hand tools to do minor work, and walking over uneven ground) |
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August 13th From Classroom to Career: Mastering the Skills Employers Want |
What does it really take to stand out in today’s job market? In this hands-on workshop, students will build the core competencies employers expect, including communication, teamwork, leadership, and professionalism. Using practical exercises and reflection activities, participants will connect their academic and life experiences to career-ready skills and learn how to showcase them in resumes, interviews, and everyday professional settings. |
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August 13th Forestry 101 |
Curious about a career in Forestry? Learn more in this Introduction to Forestry workshop! The best way to know what working a career is all about is to talk with people in the field! |
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August 13th Intro to Geomatics: Land Navigation and Mapping from the Past, Present, and Future |
Join us for a quick overview of geomatics & land surveying followed by a hands-on land navigation challenge using a compass and other tools of the trade. After completing the challenge you'll get the opportunity to operate more futuristic equipment like survey grade GPS/GNSS and fully robotic total stations, which are industry standard tools for high precision mapping and navigation. If you like maps and precision orienteering this session is for you! |
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August 13th Peace Corps: See the world, be of service |
Do you like to help people? Are you a compassionate person with an interest in helping people all over the world? Several OSU staff members will share their experiences serving around the world, what it taught them, and how you can get involved too. |
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August 13th Harvest Simulators |
We all use wood products like paper and lumber, and those products are harvested by skilled equipment operators across the region. Step into the state-of-the-art OSU Mechanized Harvesting Laboratory harvesting machine simulators and experience a hands-on introduction to modern forest harvesting methods. |
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August 13th Campfire Creator |
Create a memorable campfire experience! In this workshop, you'll design an evening of entertainment with activities like songs, stories, games, or skits—whatever fits your vision. Then, bring your plan to life as you lead the all-camp campfire that night! |
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August 13th Ice Breakers: How and Why |
Anyone who's been a camp counselor, outdoor school leader, or worked as a mentor for younger kids knows the importance of having a few fund activities in your back pocket to get your group connected and having fun. In this workshop we'll explore how to pick the right activities for your group, facilitation strategies, and practice leading activities for a group of your peers. |
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August 13th Archery Instruction |
Learn the fundamentals of teaching archery! This workshop covers proper shooting stances, essential safety protocols, equipment setup, and maintenance. Whether you're new to instructing or looking to refine your skills, you'll gain the confidence and knowledge to lead safe and engaging archery sessions. |
| Workshop name, date and time | Workshop Description |
|---|---|
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August 14th
Stewarding our Campus Arboretum: |
Join Dan Blanchard, Curator of Living Plant Collections for an engaging, field‑based workshop exploring the rich history and evolving landscape of the OSU Campus Arboretum. Participants will learn practical tree identification skills using leaves, bark, form, and other key features, then put those skills into practice during a tree scavenger hunt. |
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August 14th Bicycle Repair and Maintenance |
Getting to work, class, or out on an adventure is fun, fast, and cheaper when you have your own bicycle! Learn the basics of bike mechanics in the OSU Bike Shop where you'll learn how to change a tire, patch a flat, clean your chain, and other important bike skills. We'll also cover the fascinating and challenging world of bicycle shop careers and where these skills can take you. |
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August 14th Artificial Intelligence and Green Careers |
Explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of outdoor leadership, education, and problem-solving while learning practical AI tools and skills that can support teamwork, communication, planning, and creativity. This interactive session will also focus on responsible and ethical AI use, helping you understand how to think critically, use technology safely, and balance innovation with real-world leadership and outdoor experiences. |
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August 14th
Explore Fish Diversity Through |
Calling all biology brains and fish fans! The natural history specimen collections at OSU help students and scientists answer questions about the animals and plants of the world. This workshop includes an introduction to the OSU fish collection, how it is used by faculty and students, followed by a guided tour, close-up specimen viewing, and a hands-on activity exploring fish anatomy, ecology, and adaptation through mystery specimens. |
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August 14th Nature's Journaling |
Nature's Journaling: Get outside, take in the moment, listen to the world around you. Capture the peace and serenity in a journal you design. Take home a treasure that documents your moments. |
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August 14th How to Share Science Stories! |
Are you interested in helping others to learn more about nature or science? Join us to pick up some tips and tricks you can use to thoughtfully connect with young people about your topic. Learn how to develop your personal science/nature story to inspire others’ interest, and pick up a few tips to make your delivery more engaging and exciting. Everyone will get a chance to practice in a fun and low pressure environment! |
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August 14th Outdoor Products Design Lab |
Explore the latest innovations in the outdoor products industry and discover how you can be part of this exciting field! Learn about new gear, sustainable design, and career pathways that connect your passion for the outdoors with real-world impact.Work with students from the OSU Outdoor Product Design program and get some hands on experience designing and sewing your own piece of outdoor gear! (this workshop is a longer session to allow maximum project work time) |
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August 14th Resume/Interviewing 101 |
Resume/Interviewing 101: Learn the importance of building a good resume even if you have little experience. Then develop confidence, be prepared through practice, and conquer your next job or scholarship interview. |
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August 14th KidSpirit Leadership Laboratory |
KidSpirit is an OSU program that has been helping kids learn and grow through gymnastics lessons, games, cooking, and more. Join experienced KidSpirit staff and get some first-hand experience working with young kids as they learn, play and grow. |
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August 14th Building Character |
Building Character: Learn how to choose what type of person you want to be by discovering what character means. Build yourself up through the process of building a bear; allow yourself to grow as you sprout life to your bear. |
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August 14th See the World Through 4-H International Exchange |
Are you curious about what life is like in another part of the world? Don't keep wondering, find out for yourself! Learn about the 4-H International Exchange program, how you can get involved, and learn about someone's experience living in Japan. Where will your journey take you? |
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!