The Idyllwild Nature Center has recently received a grant to enlist middle school and high school students for summer paid internships. Those accepted will help design and implement the Junior Naturalist Program for ages 7 to 12. Six seventh and eighth graders and two high school students will be selected.

Once selected, the interns will meet at the Nature Center at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, to observe the first Junior Naturalist Program. This will be followed by a lunch and intern training and planning until 2 pm.

Six environmental education programs will be offered for the Junior Naturalists. The dates are the Saturdays of June 20, June 27, July 18, July 25, Aug. 1 and Aug. 8, at the Nature Center from 10 a.m. to noon.

Each session consists of an interactive lesson demonstrating the concept to be learned, followed by a craft or project, a nature walk and a snack. There will be adult mentors to assist.

High school interns must be available for three of the sessions and the middle school interns for two sessions. All interns must attend the planning meetings. Upon completion of the program, the middle school students will receive a stipend of $100 and the high school interns $200.

This is a great opportunity for the teens to learn leadership, planning skills and to teach younger children about the environment. To apply, pick up an application at the Idyllwild Library or the Nature Center, 25225 Highway 243, or call Jyoti at 951-659-3850. All applications must be completed and return to the Nature Center by Thursday, June 18.