The below post is an email from the Centennial Volunteer Ambassador, Hope Midok, an alumna of CHC.
Hi Everyone!
I hope things are going well at the HC and that the year is off to a great start! I wanted let you know about an upcoming opportunity with the Appalachian Trail. The application isn’t quite finished so it’s not available to the public yet (should be soon!), but when it is we’ll be moving fast so I wanted to give you a heads up.
As part of its strategic plan for 2015-2019 the Appalachian Trail Conservancy is looking to create the first ever Next Generation Advisory Council in order to foster the development of broader relevancy and diversity within the trail community. It’s a fantastic opportunity for resume building that would also count for volunteer hours.
I know IUP’s campus is a ways from the trail (I think it’s about 2.5 hours to the closest point?), but the ATC will cover travel costs and the required quarterly meetings will be held via skype. It also looks like this will include two, multi-day, meetings/training opportunities at two wonderful facilities. A spring meeting at Len Foote Hike Inn near Springer Mountain, GA (an off-grid facility that you can only reach by a five mile hike – I’ve been wanting to go here myself!) and a late August meeting at the National Conservation Training Center (a gorgeous facility located in Shepherds Town, WV).
Last I heard, we’ll be looking for about 2 participants from each region (totaling 8-10) to serve on the committee. We’re looking for bright young minds interested in leadership, community involvement, and thinking outside the box – a type of crowd the HC definitely attracts. However the age range is from 18-30 so grad students are welcome applicants as well. At the moment it looks like we’ll be releasing the application at the beginning of September with a potential deadline of beginning – or mid – October. Not a lot of time in the eyes of a college student!
Anyways, I just wanted to put a bug in your ear since this is coming up quickly. If you’re interested let me know, and I’ll keep you updated on when the application becomes available. Let me know if you have any questions!
Kindest Regards,
Hope
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Elizabeth Hope Midock
Centennial Volunteer Ambassador; SCA, NPS, ATC, AC
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Cook Hall, Office B1
252 McDowell St
Harpers Ferry, WV
1(304)535-5092