Do you see yourself as a mentor? A figure for another person to look up to? Have you ever thought of putting these attributes to the test? If so, becoming a student leader at Northwest Outdoor Science School (NOSS), also known as Outdoor School (ODS), is an essential opportunity to take advantage of. 

In short, NOSS provides an equitable and inclusive environment-based education program to elementary and middle school students across the state of Oregon. They communicate the value that they have for the community through transformative learning and leadership opportunities, where students are immersed in fun, hands-on educational experiences that connect them to the natural world.

Not only do teenagers have the ability to become student-leaders, mentors and guides for younger students, but they can also build valuable connections with other student-leaders! 

Here are some words of advice and experience from Tualatin High School students who have previously volunteered as student leaders for NOSS.

“Outdoor School isn’t for everyone, senior Keily Muñoz-Gallardo, who volunteered at the Harlow location, said. “You definitely have to be patient and want to be around other people because you’re mainly dealing with middle schoolers. You also have to like being around kids. But if you don’t, Outdoor School is probably not the best option for you.” 

Many students who have been leaders before recommend it.

“It was a great experience getting to lead younger students alongside people that were my age,” said junior Bradley Allen-Lively, who volunteered at the Trickle Creek location last fall season.

In a nutshell, the student-leader experience is truly rewarding for most. Applications for student-leader positions for Outdoor School are available in the fall and upcoming springtime. Advantages of the experience include the incentive of 100 volunteer hours and a week of meaningful connections with other students.