The General Assembly finds that youth, representing all segments of society, benefit from education and employment in the healthful outdoor atmosphere of the State's park systems, recreational facilities, and other public land and water areas and, through those education and employment opportunities, will develop, enhance, and maintain the natural resources of the State of Illinois while gaining an understanding and appreciation of the State's environment and heritage. The General Assembly, therefore, creates this Act to establish the Youth and Young Adult Conservation and Education Pilot Program to provide education and employment opportunities for the youth and young adults of this State to further the development and maintenance of the natural resources by Illinois' youth and, in so doing, to prepare them for the responsibility of maintaining and managing these resources.
525 ILCS 60/5