A LOOK AT THE ROLES AND TRAINING OF STAFF WORKING FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS

Youth programs need a much larger pool of staff than traditional college field camps or research expeditions. These staff need to fulfill a variety of roles regarding safety, logistical tasks, and education of the students. Using the example of the GeoFORCE Texas program, I will discuss the expectations of roles such as camp counselors, trail drivers, and instructors and who best fits these roles. Staff in youth outreach programs should be trained and re-trained every year before working with students to solidify the best practices of their position. Some key aspects of training should include: being a role model, representing the institution and funders, and understanding the specifics of each staff members duties day-to-day. By the end of this oral presentation, audience members will have a better understanding of what kind of staff are needed on their youth program, where to recruit those staff, and how to train them.