An adventure volunteer initiative

President Trump has proposed a significant budget cut to the Department of the Interior in order to prioritize the mining and coal industry. The 12% cut devalues our nation's national parks by cutting staff and preservation programs. With record high visitation to the parks, the remaining staff would be overwhelmed and consequently, parks will be forced to close to the public.

Challenge: How might we foster a proactive volunteer base for the National Park Service, in order to facilitate young adult involvement in the environment?

Why young adults? This demographic values social justice and typically aspires to network with their passions. Ideally, candidates would have summer availability and prefer simple living.

My Solution

In order to empower young adults to volunteer in National Parks, there needs to be age-appropriate programming and leadership. The experience must offer opportunities to engage in the outdoors alongside educating the camper on how to foster a sustainable living approach to their everyday outdoor adventures.

Brand: energetic, gritty, eco-friendly, affirm summer camp feel

/Logo Breakdown

BRIGADE is a non-profit adventure volunteer initiative that will foster backpacktavism in partnership with the National Park Service.

Backpacktavism refers to the movement of being environmentally conscious in the outdoors. Our Brigade will consist of small groups of 13 volunteers who will spend three months traveling to four national parks based on region. It’s important to note that smaller groups will help set the standard of programming and allow leaders to provide essential equipment and materials at a lower cost.

The curriculum will explore the unique needs of each park based on ecosystem. Participants will be expected to learn and work side-by-side with park staff to provide reinforcements to the staff cut. In return, the participants will be granted unlimi… — The curriculum will explore the unique needs of each park based on ecosystem. Participants will be expected to learn and work side-by-side with park staff to provide reinforcements to the staff cut. In return, the participants will be granted unlimited access to the park as well as live on the premises for the duration of the program.

Orientation for Volunteers

*All Brigade participants will receive a Field Guide, filled with an overview of expectations and a personalized welcome letter.*

*Care package includes: field guide, t-shirt, journal, mug*

Form of transportation for all our equipment and participants

Help save the road less traveled…

Project Insight

While this project was my senior capstone, I truly believe that with the right support, BRIGADE can exist. As I researched volunteer opportunities at national parks I realized that there wasn’t anything tailored to just young adults. As a young adult myself, I value making friendships with similar interests and a program like BRIGADE would not only surround me with environmentally conscious people, but also encourage me to teach others about our carbon footprint. The greatest challenge was estimating how much all this would cost and if participation fees would be necessary. This project also challenged me to reach out to the parks to research their needs. I didn’t want to create a burden for these parks, only a creative solution.