National Park Service Youth & Young Adult Programs

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, the United States was forever changed. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in the terrorist attacks, including the 40 passengers and crew members of Flight 93, whose courageous actions thwarted a planned attack on our nation’s capital.

Today, places across the National Park System help preserve the stories, memories, and history of that day and its aftermath. Along with Flight 93 National Memorial, other national parks, memorials, and historic sites preserve stories of those who responded, served, mourned, and helped communities come together in the days and years that followed.

On this 25th anniversary, take time to remember, reflect, and serve. Visit a national park, learn a story, or volunteer in your community in honor of those who were lost and those who answered the call to serve.

NPS Photo

08/28/2026

🌳 Love national parks? Wrap up summer by coming out to explore nature and history during and beyond. Join ranger programs, earn your Junior Ranger badge, and more.

This year’s National Park Week theme is “Celebrate America’s Story” in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Come visit where many of America’s important stories are shared—in our national parks. Make your own stories exploring stunning natural landscapes, reflecting on our nation’s inspiring history and rich culture, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Celebrate with us and visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm!

Watch the livestream of our "Voices of Our Youth at 250: Journeys & Park Connections for Future Generations" National Park Week event at https://www.facebook.com/share/v/199jmaHcmk/.

08/27/2026

⭐️ HAPPENING NOW! Join us live for a National Park Week virtual celebration with National Park Service Youth & Young Adult Programs, The Corps Network, and the National Park Foundation!

Learn more about “Voices of Our Youth at 250: Journeys & Park Connections for Future Generations” at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/voices-of-our-youth-at-250-virtual-event.htm

08/27/2026

🌟 Happening Today at 1:00pm ET: "Voices of Our Youth at 250: Journeys and Park Connections for Future Generations" with National Park Service Youth & Young Adult Programs, The Corps Network and National Park Foundation. Meet our moderator and speakers:

🟦 Lucy Hurlbut, Youth and Young Adult Programs Outreach Specialist, National Park Service

🟩 Tracey Ritchie, Vice President for Programs & Partnerships - Education and Engagement, National Park Foundation

🟧 Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President & CEO, The Corps Network

🟨 Frank Barrows, Deputy Associate Director for Volunteers, Community Engagement, and Commemorations, National Park Service

Register and join us at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/voices-of-our-youth-at-250-virtual-event.htm

08/26/2026

🌳 Happy and 110th birthday to the National Park Service!

With the signing of the “Organic Act” by President Woodrow Wilson, this created the National Park Service in 1916, a new federal bureau in the U.S. Department of the Interior.

⭐️ The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. Our youth are the future, so we thank all of our parks, partners, and individuals for supporting the next generation of public land leaders!

Remember to join us on August 27 for "Voices of Our Youth at 250: Journeys and Park Connections for Future Generations" with the National Park Foundation and The Corps Network. Register at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/voices-of-our-youth-at-250-virtual-event.htm.

Check out different youth and young adult programs at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/index.htm

📸 NPS

08/25/2026

🎂 We celebrate 110 years of the National Park Service today!

For the places that inspire us. For the stories that shape us.

110 years ago, America had a pretty good idea: protect some of its most extraordinary places so all could enjoy them for generations to come. On August 25, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service. Since then, parks have connected us to the landscapes, stories, and people that have shaped the nation, from towering mountains and wild rivers to battlefields, historic spaces, and sacred places.

For over a century, they’ve given us places to explore, learn, remember, and simply stand in awe. And, of course, plenty of reasons to lace up the hiking boots and say, “It’s just a little farther.”

08/20/2026

🎉 Big stories. Bold futures. Youth voices!

On August 27 at 1 pm ET, meet the young people shaping the next 250 years of conservation!

📆 Join us for "Voices of Our Youth at 250: Journeys & Park Connections for Future Generations," a National Park Week virtual celebration with National Park Service Youth & Young Adult Programs , The Corps Network, and National Park Foundation where youth corps members, interns, and volunteers share how service in national parks ignited their passion, shaped their path, and connected them to America’s natural and cultural treasures.

Join us and add your voice to the movement. For more information and registration, visit https://go.nps.gov/YouthVoices250

Read the news release at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/national-park-service-to-host-voices-of-our-youth-at-250-virtual-event-celebrating-youth-engagement-in-national-parks.htm.

National Park Service

08/07/2026

How are young people connecting with 🌳 national parks and shaping their future?

🌟 is coming up August 22-30, and we’re excited to invite you to a 5th annual virtual event on Thursday, August 27 at 1:00pm ET with the National Park Service Youth & Young Adult Programs in partnership with The Corps Network and the National Park Foundation on, “Voices of Our Youth at 250: Journeys & Park Connections for Future Generations.”

Hear panelists share their experience working on service corps, interning, or volunteering, and their reflections on how they personally connect to national parks, as we celebrate the National Park Service’s 110th birthday and commemorate the 2️⃣5️⃣0️⃣th anniversary of the United States of America. The event is open to the public and will be recorded. The program will include opening remarks, followed by a panel discussion with Q&A, and closing remarks. Live captioning and ASL interpretation will be provided as well.

Register ➡️ https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/voices-of-our-youth-at-250-virtual-event.htm.

National Park Service

08/06/2026

👏 Congrats to New River Gorge National Park and Preserve for receiving Scouting America's Distinguished Conservation Service Award at the 2026 Jamboree!

We are pleased to share that New River Gorge National Park and Preserve was recognized as a recipient of Scouting America’s Distinguished Conservation Service Award Certificate at the 2026 National Jamboree!

This prestigious award—the highest conservation recognition presented by Scouting America—celebrates outstanding efforts in planning, leadership, ex*****on, and education related to natural resource conservation and environmental improvement.

The park’s recognition not only underscores our dedication to youth education and engagement, but it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the public benefits of previous collaborations and initiatives over the years. Construction of the Arrowhead trail system, improved accessibility at the Glade Creek and Grandview Sandbar Day Use Areas and campgrounds will leave a legacy that will benefit visitors for generations to come.

New River Gorge Acting Superintendent, Eric Laprice, and Eve West, Chief of Interpretation accept Distinguished Conservation Service Award Certificate
Photo: NPS/Leah Perkowski-Sisk
National Park Service Youth & Young Adult Programs

07/22/2026

Throwback to June when The Corps Network hosted its 11th 🌳 Great Outdoors Day of Service with the National Park Service (NPS)! This day also coincided with the National Service and Conservation Corps Day.

More than 1️⃣2️⃣0️⃣ interns and staff from various service corps organizations gathered at Meridian Hill Park (part of Rock Creek Park) to help with planting, invasive species management, painting, statue maintenance, and litter abatement.

🌟 One of the highlights of the day was seeing former interns proudly wearing the “green and gray,” as NPS employees, which are colors of the NPS uniform. We thank all of the many young people who are giving back, building connections, and making a positive impact in the community.

Learn more about conservation and service corps ➡️ https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/21st-century-conservation-service-corps.htm

📸 Photos Courtesy of The Corps Network

Photo 1: Volunteers cleaning two statues at Meridian Hill Park

Photo 2: A volunteer is picking up litter

Photo 3: Volunteers are collecting trash in front of a statue at Meridian Hill Park

Photo 4: Volunteers are cleaning a pergola at Meridian Hill Park

Photo 5: Volunteers are picking up debris

Photo 6: Two volunteers are planting vegetation