Get To Know The Elements Youth Advisory Council

 

ELEMENTS program made possible through a generous grant provided by the California Natural Resources Agency Youth Community Access Grant program funded by Proposition 64 and the local resources of the Paradise Recreation & Parks District.

 

What is the Elements Grant?

The Elements grant was issued to the Paradise Recreation and Parks District from the State of California Natural Resources Agency though funding from Proposition 64 - the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. The grant programs benefit from the resources of the Paradise Recreation and Parks District, including vans, office space, parks, equipment, and administrative support. The grant aims to create a Youth Community Access component in Butte and Glenn Counties called, the Elements Youth Advisory Council.

What is the Youth Advisory Council (YAC)?

The Elements Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a 15-member cohort comprised of students between the ages of 16 and 22 years old from Butte and Glenn Counties. Members participate in bi-monthly meetings and outdoor experiences intended to increase access to and awareness of the health benefits of outdoor adventure and environmental advocacy. YAC members help lead the direction of the grant with the aim to bring the healing benefits of the program back to their respective schools and communities within Butte and Glenn Counties. The program basecamp operates out of the Terry Ashe Center (PRPD headquarters) in Paradise, CA.

What are the Outdoor Experiences that YAC members will engage in?

Below are just a few of our past outings:

  • Feather River Salmon Float

  • Astronomy & the Night Sky

  • Hiking in Upper Bidwell Park

  • Boating on the Sacramento River

  • Exploring the impact of fire regionally

  • High and Low Ropes Course

  • Chico State Ecological Reserves Field Trips

  • Birding at the Llano Seco Refuge

  • Kayaking on Paradise Lake

  • Snowshoeing at Lassen National Park

  • Forest Bathing

  • and more!

what is the Time commitment for YAC members?

This is a 4-month commitment (Sept to Dec, 2025). YAC members will be required to attend four 2-day excursions (weekends) and two evening meetings (mid-week) during each month of the program.

Weekend Outings:

Sept. 20-21 (Air theme)

Oct. 25-26 (Water theme)

Nov. 15-16 (Fire theme)

Dec. 13-14 (Earth theme)

* Weekend activities will generally start at noon on Saturdays and end at 2pm on Sundays.

Bi-monthly planning & connection meetings: Thursday evenings, 6:30 to 8pm on zoom - 9/18, 9/25, 10/23, 10/30, 11/13, 11/20, 12/11, 12/18

Check out our social media

Instagram @elementsyac

Facebook @ Elements Youth Advisory Council

Application Process

Interested participants should fill out the application below. Teachers and advisors may also support a youth by recommending them for this program. The deadline to register for the Fall 2025 program is September 12, 2025.