WILLOW CREEK — Willow Creek High School students will soon be learning how to lead historical tours, interpret trailside ecology, and staff a visitor center, under a new tourism education program approved by the Regional School Unit board Monday.
The “Creek Ambassadors” program, developed in collaboration with the town, Northwoods Outfitters, and the Carnegie Library, will offer elective credit for students who complete coursework in local history, customer service, wilderness first aid, and public speaking. Participating students will then lead paid tours and work seasonal shifts at the planned visitor center.
“We have students who know these trails and this river better than any guide we could hire from away,” said Julia Chen, who helped design the curriculum. “This program gives them professional skills and keeps them connected to the town during summers and after graduation.”
The pilot program will begin in January 2027 with an initial cohort of 10 to 15 juniors and seniors. Students will spend the spring semester in classroom training and the summer in paid internships.
Selectwoman Eleanor Vance said the program addresses a critical workforce need. “As tourism grows, we need young people who can step into guide and hospitality roles immediately,” Vance said. “This pipeline starts in high school.”
Marty Croft, the postmaster and a school board member, cast the deciding vote in favor. “Some of these kids will leave for college and never come back,” Croft said. “But some will stay, and they’ll be ready.”