SCA Houston Community Programs aim to build the next generation of conservation leaders and environmental stewards by getting youth out into their community and environment to do hands-on service to the land. SCA Houston Community Programs offer both volunteer and paid service opportunities. The School-Year Program is voluntary and occurs on weekends, from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. During the course of the School-Year Program, youth attend five camping weekends at parks and nature areas around Houston. Not only does each weekend feature an intensive conservation service project such as trail building, habitat restoration, or invasive species removal, but the crew members also participate in environmental education activities and outdoor recreation designed to instill a greater appreciation for the outdoors. SCA Houstons Summer Program is a service opportunity that occurs during the workweek, from 8:00 am-3:30 pm Monday through Friday. The participants work all over the Houston region and get the opportunity to serve with a number of local nonprofits as well as city, state, and federal agency partners. Each partner organization offers a specific long-term conservation project. For example, a crew might spend two weeks working clearing half a mile of new trail in Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, one week restoring dunes at Galveston Island State Park, and one-week removing invasive species in Memorial Park. Additionally, four to seven hours a week is focused on environmental education discussions, educational field trips, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Summer Program participants receive an hourly wage for their service work. Check out our website for more information!