Green Ambassadors
Dream Green
Thompson Island Outward Bound’s Green Ambassador Program offers Boston high school students paid summer employment in the green job sector. Green Ambassadors is a three-year program combining paid employment and structured outdoor learning. Green Ambassadors work for five weeks on Thompson Island, performing much of the work needed to maintain and preserve the trails and ecosystems of Thompson Island and other Harbor Islands.
Green Ambassadors gain hands-on experience in natural resource management and environmental conservation, engage in carpentry and citizen science, learn about climate change and environmental justice, and explore career opportunities in the green jobs sector.
Responsibilities
Green Ambassadors are required to complete the following activities during their employment:
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions with six to nine other employees
- Practice trail maintenance, habitat preservation and invasive species removal
- Perform scientific monitoring and data collection
- Participate in at least one multi-night camping expedition in the Harbor Islands
- Interact with marine scientists, educators, National Park staff and other natural resource departments in the Boston Harbor
- Learn about urban agriculture
- Engage in community outreach projects
- Explore career opportunities within the Harbor Islands and green industries
Qualifications
Applicants must be residents of the City of Boston, be 15-18 years of age, possess an interest in working outdoors, developing leadership skills and learning about environmental stewardship. They must also demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to complete the entire program. Preference is given to Boston Public School students.
Program Area
Thompson Island is one of the largest, most accessible, and ecologically diverse islands in the Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park. Across 204-acres of undeveloped property, the island is home to mature forests, meadows, freshwater and marine wetlands, salt marshes, and a variety of important geological features. Beyond the natural world and campsites, amenities include a formal school campus complete with dormitories, dining hall, classrooms, lab space, auditoriums, gymnasium, outdoor challenge courses, and climbing towers.
Program Model
Professional Development
Green Ambassadors focus on developing professional skills such as timeliness, workforce expectations and behaviors, goal-setting, decision-making, communication and leadership.
Technical Job Training
Green Ambassadors work on the Boston Harbor Islands, applying STEM and other skills through hands-on projects led by scientists and leading professionals in the community. The program increases their environmental consciousness with the aim of promoting entrance into environmental studies and the green career sector.
Natural Resource Management
Green Ambassadors learn first-hand about emerging environmental trends through direct partnerships with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the National Park Service.
J'Saun Bastien
“I always tell people, I’m not good with names, but I remember everyone I met in Green Ambassadors because it was a family. It was just that special. Even when we didn’t agree, we could always find a way to work together. The program really helped me a lot in developing as a person and becoming who I am today.”
J’Saun was a GA from 2014-2016, after which he studied environmental science at Boston College. He returned to Thompson Island this year as a full-time Course Director, helping shape the experience current GAs. He encourages anyone considering the program to apply, because he believes that everyone can learn something from being a GA.
Our Partners
 |
 |
 |
Athletic Brewing Company
Bank of America Charitable Foundation
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Boston After School and Beyond (BASB)
Bradán Lane Foundation
EdVestors
Eversource Foundation
Fuller Foundation
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
National Park Service
Thank You
All our programs are available because of our generous community of donors like you. Thank you for supporting the students at Thompson Island Outward Bound.
