TEEN OPPORTUNITIES
We offer a variety of ways for teens to engage with the ranch. In addition to guided field trips and educational programs, we offer seasonal or school-year internships, community service opportunities, and our Sustainability Squad club.
Teens interested in organic agriculture, animal husbandry, land stewardship, environmental education and applied leadership, or just spending time outdoors working the land are welcome!
What is Slide Ranch?
Slide Ranch is a non-profit, farm-based, environmental education organization located within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, on coastal wildlands just north of San Francisco. The mission of Slide Ranch is to connect children to nature. We cultivate healthy bodies and minds and foster future generations of environmental stewards. By farming, cooking, caring for animals and exploring wilderness and the coast, we teach people of all ages to see the connection between their own health, a healthy food system and a healthy environment.
Sustainability Squad: Slide Ranch’s Teen Stewards
Teens aged 13-17 are invited to be part of the Sustainability Squad at Slide Ranch, an immersive, hands-on program designed for young leaders passionate about the environment and sustainability. Meeting once a month, this club offers a chance to experience farm life while engaging in meaningful, youth-led service projects.
Participants will gain invaluable experience tending to our organic gardens and caring for our beloved farm animals, including goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, and bees. Guided by our expert staff, teens will explore our breathtaking coastal trails while discussing critical topics such as sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and climate resilience.
Beyond the hands-on activities, the Sustainability Squad provides a platform for youth-led initiatives, fostering leadership skills and empowering participants to make a real impact on both the farm and the community. Whether you are looking to develop practical skills, deepen your connection to nature, or collaborate with like-minded peers, this program offers a rich, rewarding experience.
Join us at Slide Ranch and register today to cultivate a love for the land, contribute to a sustainable future, and make lasting memories in one of the Bay Area’s most scenic locations.
High School Internships at Slide Ranch: Cultivate Skills in Sustainability and Education
Join Slide Ranch as a high school intern and gain hands-on experience in sustainable farming, environmental stewardship, and education. Interns assist with the upkeep of our organic gardens, care for our animals, and support our educational programs, all while working in the stunning natural landscape of Marin’s coastal national park. Whether you’re passionate about food systems, animal care, or environmental education, our internships offer a chance to build practical skills and deepen your connection to nature. We will work with students to find a structure that meets their needs and school requirements while also fulfilling the unique needs of the ranch and its community. Become part of a team dedicated to protecting the environment and inspiring future generations.
Counselors In Training (CIT)
Our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program offers youth aged 12-17 the opportunity to build essential leadership and childcare skills while supporting Slide Ranch's summer camp programs. CITs are integral members of our camp team—working alongside our staff, guiding younger campers, assisting with hands-on activities, and learning the fundamentals of outdoor education. CITs develop their confidence as role models, learn practical childcare techniques, and gain experience in environmental stewardship. This is a unique program for teens ready to step into a leadership role; CITs are not campers themselves but mentors and helpers, actively contributing to a vibrant and supportive camp community. Learn more about our CIT program.
Volunteer Hours: Flexible Service Opportunities
We welcome teen volunteers for one-time sessions or regular volunteer hours. Volunteering at Slide Ranch is a fun, hands-on way to make a real impact. Care for our farm animals, work in the organic garden, and more. Volunteers work under staff supervision to support the daily activities of our farm. Teens seeking community service hours are encouraged to come on Saturday afternoons. Registration for community service hours coming soon.