Denkyem River Guardians Internship
Building a relationship with the Tidal Schuylkill River
How does the watershed impact us? How do we impact the watershed? The Denkyem River Guardians internship program helps high school youth develop an understanding of their own relationship to water.
Denkyem (pronounced “den-tchyem”) is the Adinkra symbol for crocodile, which represents adaptability and flexibility because the crocodile lives in water but breathes air. Adinkra symbols were developed by the Bono people of West Africa and spread throughout the continent, and crocodiles are valued in a range of African mythology for their intelligence and resilience.
Denkyem River Guardians Paid Youth Internship
Are you a high school student in Southwest Philadelphia? Do you want a part-time job focused on improving your community’s environmental, physical, and mental health? Join the Denkyem River Guardians!
This program is not currently accepting applications.
General Activities
In the fall and spring, Denkyem River Guardians work 8.5 hours per week at $11–$12.50/hour, with work increasing to 20 hours/week in the summer. Compensation is based on previous experience.
Activities include:
- Become an expert at rowing.
- Learn the history and ecology of the Tidal Schuylkill River and its surrounding community.
- Learn how to clean and maintain a fleet of wooden rowboats.
- Collect water samples, monitor the health of the river, and share findings with neighbors and visitors.
- Connect with high school students across the city working on-water.
- Visit and boat on other bodies of water in Philadelphia, PA, and Camden, NJ.
- Assist families and community members during free fishing and boating activities.
You may also be interested in:
Tidal Schuylkill River
A vibrant tidal ecosystem with a half-mile of riverfront and significant tidal wetlands.
Denkyem River Guardians monitor the river’s water quality and use the data to advocate for better protection of the watershed.
Youth Programs
Calling local students! Paid youth internships and free summer camp available.
