The Give Orcas campaign is over as of yesterday, but just in case you are still interested in supporting our local Youth Conservation Corps or learning more about it, I am sharing a letter I wrote to the Program Coordinator, Mike Rosekrans.
To Mike and Everyone Involved with Youth Conservation Corps,
I am ever-grateful for the YCC program. Our son has done three seasons now, two summers and one winter. While it began a few years ago as a way for him to earn money before he was old enough to apply for other summer jobs, he found it to be much more than “just” a summer job, and we did too. After his first experience, he continued applying for subsequent seasons because there were multiple elements to which he felt drawn.
He really enjoyed the two leaders you chose each time around, so he knew the framework of each day would be a mix of fun and safe. We felt the same way. The personalities of the leaders is a really important aspect, and having two not-so-old adults in charge who “get” kids – especially middle and high schoolers – and can help them navigate everything from tool use and jobs like non-native plant removal to creating a bonded fabric of varying personalities through team building is paramount. You choose excellent leaders who are able to blend gregariousnous, diligent physical work that isn’t overbearing, and a sense of land stewardship, all the while managing various personalities and group dynamics throughout each day.
Our son also loved that each new day was about working in a group of other kids and being outdoors all the while. They work hard and have fun as they go. They chat as they walk to the site and begin clipping or digging or cutting. They laugh. They goof off. They get to be out in nature and sunshine. They see places on the island that some people never see. Sometimes they even travel to another island or swim in the lake while removing milfoil. YCC is such a great way for kids to enjoy being out in the summer days with other kids, and at the same time feel like they are getting something done that has some sort of value.
I am so thankful for YCC, especially for middle schoolers. At that age, kids start wanting to work to have some of their own spending cash, but usually can’t find anything formal. This program is a saving grace for kids who are stuck in that in-between time – old enough to want to work but too young to be legally hired. Thank goodness YCC exists! When they get that stipend check at the end of the summer, it’s a big deal for them. It’s also a great age to begin learning how to manage amounts of money they haven’t had before.
Thank you for everything you do behind the scenes to prepare and coordinate all kinds of work, all kinds of locations, and the right staff for the kids so that by the time they show up, it feels like a safe, fun, seamless program where they can enjoy a few months of outdoor time, blossom in character qualities, and have a sense of meaningful summer purpose. You guys are stellar.
Sincerely,
Edee Kulper
The YCC fundraising bake sale out in front of Island Market the other day…
Click here to learn more about YCC and donate to keep this program thriving: https://www.sanjuanislandscd.org/ycc
Thank you for your support!
Edee,
You are fortunate to have YCC on your island and fortunate to have young people to enjoy and benefit from it. I taught middle schoolers for 40 years. They are the very best: full of energy, eager to learn if it has meaning, and no hidden agendas. I was a hard teacher, but they responded to the challenges I gave them magnificently. Teaching them was like laying track down before a speeding express train. I don’t miss the pressure; having to grade each individual on a numbered scale was the pits, but they were absolutely wonderful, eager to do their best and often more than that. I miss them dearly even after many years although I still communicate with many. Thanks for the article, the great pictures and the message.