Education
Leadership Development
Youth Taking Action
Education
Developing Leaders for the Next Generation
Discovering purpose, belonging, and the skills to lead with stewardship, compassion, and confidence in their community and the natural world.
At The Cibolo, we believe leadership begins with connection to the land, to one another, and to a purpose greater than ourselves. Our youth leadership programs are designed to cultivate the next generation of conservation leaders by giving young people meaningful responsibility, hands-on experience, and a voice in shaping the future of our community. Through real-world learning and service, participants grow not only in knowledge, but in confidence, character, and compassion.
These programs create a welcoming space where teens can build lasting friendships, discover what they love, and develop a genuine sense of belonging and ownership in the place they call home. Whether serving as ambassadors or volunteering in the field, they gain practical skills, public speaking experience, ecological understanding, and a deeper awareness of their role in caring for the natural world.
In a time when environmental stewardship and community-minded leadership are more important than ever, The Cibolo offers an additional path for young people to grow into thoughtful, capable adults. Here, they learn that caring for the environment also means caring for all living things and, ultimately, for each other.
Leadership Programs
Trailblazers →
Trailblazers is a volunteer program designed to provide a meaningful space for teenagers who love nature and enjoy being outdoors. It focuses on three key components: social engagement, nature-based education, and service. Participants meet twice a month to explore conservation topics, participate in hands-on activities like creek cleanups, and learn about environmental impacts through real-world examples. This program is perfect for teens seeking to connect with nature and their community in a supportive, volunteer-based environment.
At each meeting, Trailblazers will learn about the variety of ways The Cibolo helps in conservation, how they can be a part of that mission, and how they can help outside of The Cibolo, all while engaging in hands-on projects.
Teen Ambassadors
The Teen Ambassador program offers teens a deeper level of engagement, leadership development, and responsibility. Ambassadors serve as representatives of The Cibolo, supporting public education and conservation efforts. You’ll find them at the Nature Center and Herff Farm as they assist with tours, facilitate free educational activities, and interact directly with visitors to promote our mission. The program emphasizes leadership skills, public speaking, and practical conservation knowledge, preparing teens to be future environmental stewards while earning compensation for their contributions.
Our Teen Ambassadors are Trailblazers who exhibit an understanding of our mission and core values and desire to make a greater impact at The Cibolo.
Want to get involved?
Join our Trailblazers program.
Trailblazers is a semester-based volunteer program for students ages 13 to 18 who are interested in environmental conservation and hands-on service. The program meets once a month and gives participants direct experience with the work happening across The Cibolo.
Each session focuses on a specific topic or project. Activities may include invasive plant removal, habitat restoration, farm work at Herff Farm, guided birding tours, night hikes, and learning the history and ecology of The Cibolo. Students also explore how conservation work connects to broader environmental issues and discover ways they can stay involved beyond the program.
Trailblazers is active and outdoors by design. Participants should expect to be moving, working, and learning in the field. Students can earn up to 10 hours of community service each semester.
Cost: $25 per semester. Scholarships available upon request.
Meet Boston Johnson
Boston’s journey at The Cibolo is a powerful example of what long-term mentorship and meaningful opportunity can cultivate. Beginning as a camper and guided by the steady encouragement of our staff, especially Camp Director Noah Lawrence, Boston grew not only in his love for the outdoors but in confidence, responsibility, and leadership.
What started as curiosity about the Texas Hill Country evolved into hands-on experience, public engagement, and a deep sense of ownership in our community. Through camp, Trailblazers, and now the Teen Ambassador Program, Boston has embraced each step as a chance to learn, serve, and lead. Today, you can find him at the Nature Center and Herff Farm on weekends, welcoming visitors and inspiring the next generation of young explorers.
Boston’s story reflects what happens when young people are given time in nature, trusted with responsibility, and supported by mentors who believe in them.