Denver, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife is now accepting applications for the Youth Ambassador Program, sponsored by America’s State Parks. The Youth Ambassador program provides young adults, ages 18-24, a unique opportunity to promote awareness of state parks through video blogs, online articles, photo essays, social media networking, and multi-media training.

The Colorado Youth Ambassador serves in a year-long volunteer position, which involves visits to state parks; writing, researching and producing video content; photography projects; and working with Colorado State Parks and America’s State Parks’ staff to highlight the many recreation opportunities in state parks. Youth Ambassadors also work with other young ambassadors from states across the U.S. to promote state parks and outdoor recreation, and encourage young people of all ages to experience and connect with the outdoor world.

The Colorado State Parks Youth Ambassador program kicked off last year with Kimberly Banzhaf, who created video blogs and written articles for America’s State Parks website and was invited to attend various national events, including the Outdoor Nation Youth Summit series and the National Association of State Park Directors meeting.

“It’s a wonderful way to explore the state and visit new places. But I’ve also been able to meet great people from across the country and put my educational, creative and writing skills into a finished product for a cause that I feel good about,” said Banzhaf.

Interested applicants can submit the following materials to Colorado Parks and Wildlife for consideration:

• A 500-word maximum essay about yourself and why you are applying.
• A three-minute video (can be a link to YouTube or other site) explaining what you hope to do as a Youth Ambassador.
• Three references who speak to your abilities and qualifications.

For more information, visit the Youth Ambassador web page or download the complete application here. Applications should be sent to parksweb@state.co.us by Dec. 2, 2011.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife gets everyone outdoors! Attracting more than 12 million visitors per year, Colorado’s 42 State Parks are a vital cornerstone of Colorado’s economy and quality of life. Colorado State Parks encompass 224,447 land and water acres, offering some of the best outdoor recreation destinations in the state. Colorado Parks and Wildlife is a leader in providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, protecting the state’s favorite landscapes, teaching generations about nature and partnering with communities. Colorado State Parks also manage more than 4,300 campsites, and 63 cabins and yurts. For more information on Colorado State Parks or to purchase an annual pass online, visit www.parks.state.co.us.