Hiking Prescription Fall Internship

CORRECTION: Send your applications to [email protected]

SMGA wishes to
Engage one or more student interns from the Health Sciences, Geography
and Recreation Departments to create a “Park Prescription” program to
encourage the use of our parks and natural areas. The project offers
several opportunities for internships in different disciplines.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Physical activity is an effective method for maintaining and improving
health. It is also essential for the healthy development of children.
Furthermore, many studies show there are psychological benefits to
exercising in parks or natural areas.

Several communities in the United States have developed programs, with
the cooperation of local medical societies, which utilize parks and
natural areas to improve community health. Using ‘hiking
prescriptions’ and other methods the doctors encourage patients to
exercise in the out of doors. The approach is effective and virtually
free for the patients and the community.

San Marcos has a good variety of parks and natural areas which offer
walks ranging from easy strolls on flat surfaces to challenging hikes.
The project will engage the medical community in planning the project
and develop materials for use in using hiking prescriptions.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES
Gather information on similar programs already functioning around the
country. Identify at least three as sources of ideas and information
on successes and failures.

Present the general idea to the local medical society and recruit a
small group of practitioners who will serve as advisors for the
project.

Utilizing GIS, GPS or other methodology measure and mark trails at
appropriate distances to enable people to know when they have ‘filled’
their prescription.

Prepare materials for the hiking prescriptions, including trail
locations, distances, difficulty and other information.

Present materials to the medical society and offer training for the
practitioners’ staffs.

Prepare informational materials and press releases for the general public.

At each step inform the Parks and Recreation Department of your activities.

COMPENSATION
This is a non-paid internship.

LOCATION
San Marcos. SMGA does not have an office, but there will be regular
meet up with an SMGA appointed representative to track progress,
ask/answer questions, and provide guidance.

TO APPLY:
Submit your resume to [email protected].