On behalf of the National Park Service, we are thrilled about your interest in our In My Backyard! We thank you for landing on this page to learn more about this internship opportunity. Below, you can read more about our roots, goals, culture, and more that outline where we are heading this summer!

EXPERIENCE

In My Backyard (IMBY) is an innovative experience created by youth, for youth to collaborate with national parks and local resources to create a sense of belonging. During their experience, youth leaders (also known as IMBYs) complete thought-provoking activities, collaborate with fellow community partners, learn about national parks, and engage in discussions that culminate into a final project that showcases their findings. Each cohort has a tailored experience that aligns with each IMBY’s interests, building from a foundation of art and national parks. By actively inviting youth voices to share their ideas and stories through a welcoming space with authentic relationships and inclusive resources, IMBYs create a sense of belonging for all in our local communities and national parks.

GOALS

Utilize your creativity as a tool for change, leadership, and storytelling within your communities and the National Park Service. The program welcomes youth to demonstrate how their perspectives can inspire and educate, while equipping youth with the skills to become champions of their own stories and leaders of their own narratives.

• Collaborate with national parks, public lands, and local organizations through experiences created by youth, for youth. 
• Cultivate a sense of belonging and elevate your sense of self in public lands and in your communities through creating a toolkit full of resources rooted in your experiences. 
• Engage in various activities which include learning from guest speakers, engaging in discussions that center on weekly themes, and convey your findings through art. 

IMBY recognizes that individuals are intersectional and that barriers to access public lands vary. IMBY was created by youth, for youth to not only address such barriers but to actively invite voices to share ideas and stories that can create a sense of belonging for all in our public lands.

SUMMER 2024 LOGISTICS

This summer’s program will run for five weeks from July 15 to August 16, 2024. Seattle-area youth leaders will contribute 16 hours per week, totaling 80 program hours. The program is a hybrid of in-person happenings at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park – Seattle and virtual/at-home activities. Each week, six hours will be completed in-person on Thursdays at Klondike with the entire team plus ten hours working from home, at park events, and/or in the park’s visitor center. Your time will be compensated $20/hour. Pay is based on full participation and ORCA cards can be provided, if needed. 

In My Backyard is tailored for high school-aged youth (13-18 years old) who are interested in exploring national parks, advocacy, and art. We encourage applicants who are new to exploring these topics and/or who are from communities that are underrepresented in public lands to apply.

CULTURE

IMBY seeks to create a space for youth to have a positive, direct interaction with the NPS in order to promote cultural and environmental awareness. As a representative of the United States Government and the National Park Service, it is a job requirement to conduct yourself with civility and professionalism. IMBYs are expected to engage in productive and important conversations while respecting each other’s feelings and experiences. We adopt a collaborative and problem-solving attitude within our work.

IMBY is an opportunity for participants of all levels to share their ideas and concerns in shaping the program. We value ongoing learning experiences and strive to create a welcoming and empathetic culture for all program participants.

OUTCOMES

• A youth-led experience that truly celebrates youth voices by inviting program participants to collaborate with national parks, community partners, and local sites to create a sense of belonging while building knowledge of available resources.
• Develop professionally and personally through mentorship, training, networking, and more through meaningful experiences tailored to each individual, with support from the entire team.
• Engage and empower youth in a mutual, ongoing learning with the National Park Service to create culturally responsive contributions resulting in a network of National Park Service ambassadors equipped with knowledge, skills, and connections to be leaders within their communities. 
• Community members will receive a direct, insider look into youth points of view through IMBY creations, showcasing ways to increase a sense of belonging in national parks through accessible online and in-person platforms.
• Support the National Park Service’s mission and goals which include emphasizing that public lands belong to all of us; we all have the right to see ourselves in these places and to feel like we belong.

ASK US

If you have questions about joining the In My Backyard Program, please email us at inmybackyard.nw@gmail.com and we will respond as soon as possible.

If you would like to learn more about the project, check out Our Story page!