CORVALLIS, Ore. — This summer, Oregon State University Extension Service launched the first Youth Outdoor Career and Leadership Summit (YOCLS) — a four-day workshop designed to help high school students explore careers, build leadership skills and discover new opportunities for their future.
Hosted on the OSU Corvallis campus, the summit was a collaboration between several youth-serving programs in OSU Extension: Outdoor School, KidSpirit, Juntos, Open Campus, 4-H Youth Development and Sea Grant. The program brought together 22 youths, ages 14–18, from across the state to connect with peers, mentors and professionals in a wide range of fields.
The summit focused on skills that can help students in any path, such as communication, leadership and problem-solving, while encouraging them to keep an open mind about what their futures could look like. Participants also met role models from diverse backgrounds. Some sessions, offered in partnership with Juntos and Open Campus, offered a Spanish option.
“We wanted to accomplish the goal of helping young people find their path and feel empowered, but we go about it in different ways,” said Elliot Drake-Maurer, high school coordinator for Outdoor School. “There’s a common thread in all our programs, and this summit brought them together.”
“Sometimes it’s just that one little spark of meeting someone who’s doing this awesome job you never knew existed. It helps them see that people like them belong in those careers.”
Through 28 hands-on workshops offered by various OSU departments and local organizations, guest speakers and a career fair, students explored careers in the environment, forestry, agriculture, recreation and more. At the career fair, students built their résumés, practiced interview skills and met professionals from local and state parks, environmental nonprofits and OSU student groups.
“College is only one path to success,” said Sherrie Deaton, education program assistant for KidSpirit. “It could also be trade school, going straight into a job or community college. We want students to know that their path can zigzag as much as it needs.”
With a background in 4-H, Deaton has extensive experience volunteering at youth events and often reflects on how Extension programs can help kids develop lifelong skills. One idea that stood out to her was the importance of career readiness. She said her own son, a recent high school graduate, is still figuring out his path.
“I try to tell him it’s okay not to know because you might not have even heard of what you’ll end up doing,” she said.
She emphasized that YOCLS was designed for all students, not just those already interested in outdoor careers. The summit committee awarded 11 scholarships to attendees who need financial assistance with commuting or registering for the summit.
Many participants shared similar feelings about how the camp changed their view about future careers and helped them gain new friends and connections. Logan Quaka, 16, said he is now considering “becoming an interpretive ranger at a national park.”
“Outdoor careers can sometimes feel like a really white field,” Drake-Maurer said. “One way to shift that narrative is by highlighting opportunities and professionals from communities of color.”
For students still exploring their interests, YOCLS offers a low-pressure way to try something new.
“Sometimes it’s just that one little spark of meeting someone who’s doing this awesome job you never knew existed,” Drake-Maurer said. “It helps them see that people like them belong in those careers.”
The summit will return in 2026 from August 12-15, with a theme "Discover Your Passion, Ignite Your Career”. Learn more information about the 2026 Youth Outdoor Career & Leadership Summit on its website.
