The program is a great way for young people to share their outdoor experiences and get their writing and photographs published.

Youth Ambassadors will visit state parks and reservoirs within a defined region to photograph and blog at least once a month about events, hikes, camping, hunting, fishing and more.

The regions are northeast (Pokagon, Chain O'Lakes and Ouabache state parks, and Salamonie and Mississinewa lakes), northwest (Indiana Dunes, Potato Creek, Tippecanoe River, Prophetstown and Shades state parks), east-central (Mounds, Fort Harrison, Summit Lake, Whitewater Memorial and Brown County state parks, and Brookville Lake), west-central (Turkey Run, Shakamak and McCormick's Creek state parks, and Cagles Mill Lake [Lieber SRA] and Cecil M. Harden Lake [Raccoon SRA]), southeast (Versailles, Charlestown, Clifty Falls and Falls of the Ohio state parks and Monroe and Hardy lakes), and southwest (Harmonie, Lincoln, Spring Mill and O'Bannon Woods state parks and Patoka Lake).

Youth Ambassadors may be asked to cover specific events.

The program requires at least a one-year commitment.

Youth Ambassadors will receive an annual entrance pass for all state parks and reservoirs and free or reduced camping (when available).

Applicants must have a basic knowledge of Indiana’s state parks and reservoirs, an enthusiasm for natural and cultural resources and outdoor recreation, an ability to write in a conversational style, an ability to use a digital camera for photographs and videos, and must pass a criminal background check.

Youth Ambassadors are expected to provide their own transportation, meals and lodging (unless a campsite is available.) A digital camera will be provided.

To apply, email Ginger Murphy, Assistant Director for Stewardship at DNR Division of State Parks & Reservoirs, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the following information:

• Name, mailing address and email address.
• Preferred region
• A paragraph describing an experience at an Indiana state park or reservoir.
• A paragraph explaining why you want to be a Youth Ambassador. (Include how you might approach this role.)
• A photograph that you've taken of people enjoying the outdoors or of a scenic place/view.