Polk Soil & Water Conservation District
Outdoor School (ODS)
Counselor Instructions 2013 Outdoor School (ODS) is a 3-day 2-night natural resources educational program put on by the Polk Soil & Water Conservation District. 6th-grade students from Polk County, along with teachers, volunteers, instructors, Polk SWCD staff and directors attend this event. The last session of Outdoor School this year is: Tuesday May 7th through Thursday May 9th, 2013 High School Counselors play a vital role in making the program a success. Counselors have direct contact with the 6th grade students on a daily basis, including eating, attending Outdoor School sessions, recreation and participating with the students in a variety of other activities. Counselors can make or break a child’s experience; therefore, we only accept qualified, energetic, enthusiastic and committed individuals. We encourage all to apply. The experience can be extremely fulfilling for all that participate. ODS counselors walk away from camp with fond memories, friendships, evaluations, recommendations, life experiences, and the satisfaction in knowing that they have helped a generation learn about the natural world. Time spent at Outdoor School can also be used towards community service/leadership hours. ďƒŞRead through the materials enclosed in this packet. If you decide you would like the opportunity to participate in this unique program, complete and submit your application to your high school office, the Polk SWCD office, or submit online at the Polk SWCD webpage. The application is due by Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013. Complete the application online at www.polkswcd.org. You will be notified via email by Monday, April 8, 2013 if you have been accepted as an ODS counselor.
APPLICATIONS DUE TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2013 For your convenience and ours,
Fill out the application online at www.polkswcd.org Contact us at: Polk Soil & Water Conservation District 580 Main St., Suite A Dallas, OR 97338 Phone: (503) 623-9680 E-Mail: guppy@polkswcd.com Fax: (503) 623-6335 Web Page: www.polkswcd.org Facebook: Polk SWCD
Eligibility and Requirements o Age: Seniors and juniors preferred, but sophomores are also encouraged to apply. o Grades/Attendance: Minimum GPA of 2.5. Students with less than 2.5 may still apply but must get teachers approval to miss classes. Good attendance is necessary. o Application: Must be completed and submitted by April 2, 2013 to school or Polk SWCD office. o Recommendations: Three (3) must be submitted from non-related adults. Two (2) must be from current teachers. o Homework: It is your responsibility to pre-arrange your absence and complete all homework. o Training: Counselors are required to attend three (3) training sessions to be eligible for ODS o If you have a scheduling conflict, you must contact the Polk SWCD o Arrive on time and be prepared to be there for the full time!
About the Application Process o Application: Complete the packet online (preferred) or by hand and turn into school or Polk SWCD office by April 2, 2013 o Application Questions: Answer the questions in complete sentences to the best of your ability. o Recommendations: You must submit three (3) recommendations. o Recommendations must be from non-related adults you have worked with such as employers, school staff, coaches or other mentors. Two (2) recommendations must be from High School Teachers. Teacher references can email the Polk SWCD to receive an online recommendation form Recommendations are to be placed in a sealed envelope by the reference. You may also want to stamp and address the envelope to Polk SWCD, 580 Main St., Suite A, Dallas, OR 97338 to ensure your recommendation form will be returned. Friendly reminders are also helpful. Verify that the recommendations have been received by the Polk SWCD o Due Date: ODS Counselor Application is due April 2nd, 2013 at the School or Polk SWCD office. o Email: You must email guppy@polkswcd.com from your email. If you do not get a response, check email address and send again. You will be contacted in response to the email you sent. o Selection Committee: Counselors will be chosen by a Polk SWCD Committee with input from school staff, teachers, and counselors. The selection committee will take into account several factors, including the application questions, age, grades, attendance and teacher/staff input. o Acceptance: If you are accepted, you will be notified on April 8, 2013 with a reply to the email you sent us. If you don’t hear from us it is because we did not receive an email from you to reply to. o If accepted, you will be required to complete additional forms. o If you are not accepted, do not take it personally. We want everyone to go to Outdoor School, but sometimes we get far too many applicants and have to make tough decisions. If you have any questions, please contact District Manager Jackie Hastings at (503) 623-9680.
Your Final Check List KEEP THIS PAGE FOR YOUR RECORDS. I completed the application online I have answered the application questions clearly and thoroughly. I have included all three completed adult recommendation forms ________ I have verified all three (3) recommendations were received by the Polk SWCD ________ I have turned in all required documents online or office by April 2nd, 2013 or sooner. ________ I have emailed guppy@polkswcd.com from my email so the Polk SWCD has my correct email address. I have received a verification from them on___________________. I will attend my first training at 4:00 to 6:00 on Monday, April 15th, 2013 at Dallas High School __ I will attend my second training at (circle time) 3:30 to 4:30 OR 5:00-6:00 on Monday, April 22nd, 2013 at Central High School OR Dallas High School (circle location) __ I will attend my third training on Saturday, April 27th, 2013 from 8:00am – 3:30pm, Location to be announced. I realize ODS is on Tuesday May 7th –Thursday May 9th, 2013.
Important Outdoor School Dates April 2nd, 2013: Completed application packet and submitted online. April 8th, 2013: Accepted counselors will be notified via email – you must have a valid email address! Send an email to guppy@polkswcd.com to ensure we have your address. Monday April 15th, 2013: New Counselor Training (Must attend April 15th, 22nd, AND 27th, 2013 trainings) 4:00 pm -6:00 pm, Dallas High School (Little Theatre) Monday April 22nd, 2013: All Counselor Training 3:30pm – 4:30pm, Dallas High School (Little Theatre) or 5:00pm – 6:00pm, Central High School (Mr. Neville’s Room) Saturday April 27th, 2013: All Counselor Training 2 (Mini ODS) 8:00 am – 3:30 pm, Location to be Announced nd Thursday May 2 , 2013: Email Check-In with Polk SWCD May 7th-May 9th, 2013: Outdoor School Session!
Submit this application online by April 2 Accepted counselors will be notified by April 8, 2013 by email
Thank you for applying!
Spread the word! If you know anyone else who may be interested in being an Outdoor School counselor, please spread the word! Let people know we are looking for volunteers!