Summer 2013 Courses Now Available! See course descriptions or apply now
About CBF Student Summer Environmental Courses
CBF's Environmental Leadership course participants will hike, fish, wade, observe, sail, seine, and paddle in some of the most beautiful and inspiring natural areas in the Chesapeake watershed. Through 'teachable moments,' our student leadership courses connect students with the Chesapeake. Memories from these experiences serve as an enduring motivator for our future leaders. They provide a foundation of inspiration upon which students can build professional skills. While some student participants attend CBF summer programs to prepare themselves as environmental educators, advocates, and scientists, these courses also appeal to students who just enjoy being outside and active in nature.
Program Staffing and CBF Educators
There will be at least two CBF educators staffing each summer course. Other CBF staff and educators may join the group as captains, hosts at island education centers, or as resources for learning.
CBF educators are certified in:
- Wilderness First Responder medical training
- Adult and Child & Infant CPR
- Community Water Safety
- American Canoe Association Certification
Our educators serve as facilitators. They establish a clear learning pathway for the student experience, guiding students' journey while allowing ample freedom and choice for them to explore and investigate environmental issues that reflect their interest. We believe that allowing students to follow their passion is the best way for them to discover their own leadership capacity. Our professional educators insure a safe and positive learning environment, while respecting students as individuals. We seek to cultivate within each group a culture of empowerment, encouraging curiosity and mutual respect.
Course Fee
The course fee of $100 per student includes instruction, program materials, three meals a day, lodging, guest speaker fees, and various recreational activities. It will be collected after students receive notice they are accepted to the program.
*CBF is able to reduce the original operating cost of this course from $1,500 through the generous support of CBF donors and grants.
See course descriptions
Eligibility
Students must attend a Maryland High School (or be entering 9th grade in the Fall of 2013) and be actively involved in one of the following:
- Maryland Association of Student Councils (office holders or delegates)
- Student government (any office)
- Student environmental organizations, clubs, Green Teams, etc. (office holders and general members).
While CBF recognizes that there are many types of student leaders and that the effort to Save the Bay™ is watershed wide, we have chosen the above eligibility requirements to more effectively support students after the summer course has concluded.
Selection Process
- CBF will be using a rolling admission process.
- Applications are being accepted now.
- The first round of notifications of acceptance will be sent May 1, and ongoing thereafter.
We will accept approximately 12 students per course. The group size is kept small to provide a more personal experience for each individual student.
How to Apply
Complete the online application, OR
Download the application (PDF download) and send it to:
Student Leadership
Chesapeake Bay Foundation
6 Herndon Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21403
To apply for SL 2: Student Leadership in Anne Arundel County
Contact Aimee Poisson, Administrator for Student Leadership Development and CRASC Advisor
Anne Arundel County Public Schools
410-222-5405
apoisson@aacps.org
Questions: Contact SLcoordinator@cbf.org or call 410-268-8816
A Look at Past Summer Courses