Career Academy FAQ

The focus of each week will be to explore the breadth of careers available at the National Park Service and similar organizations. Participants will make outreach materials, such as podcasts and websites, so they can share these opportunities with their peers.

No, students will have to bring a packed (trash-free) lunch with them each day.

The academy is planned as a week-long day camp in which campers must go home each night. However, I would like to provide at least one night that students could camp out if they desire to.

The BTW/ NPS Career Academy will be held at the C&O Canal’s Chick Farm, 99 Chick Road, Tuscarora, MD

AFF and NPS are investigating daily transportation from a central pickup location, but are waiting to hear about funding for such transportation.

We plan on engaging the students in environmental science activities similar to a BTW field study, as well as interviews/ modules on careers in outdoor education and in the national parks. In addition to these focused learning sessions, we will also provide time for outdoor recreation, e.g., biking on the C&O Canal, canoeing, and possibly one overnight camping experience.

Yes, students can earn 30 hours of service credit for the week-long camp. Arrangements will be made with individual schools once Academy participants are selected.

AFF is accepting applications through May 15th. A panel of environmental educators from AFF and NPS will review all applications and notify students if they’ve been selected by May 22nd.

AFF and NPS are looking for young people who are interested in exploring careers in the outdoors or with the National Park Service. You don’t need to have lots of past experience, just a real willingness to try something new.

YES. The Canal Farm is a rustic site with minimal indoor space. Plan on being outside every day, unless there are summer thunderstorms that preclude us from working outdoors.