AmeriCorps Summer Youth Corps Leaders (ages 19-25) will work in teams of two to supervise six youth on 1- to 2-week long “spike” projects (crews camp in tents, prepare their own meals and complete work projects). Crews will complete projects such as trail construction and maintenance, boardwalk building, planting, campsite development, invasive species removal, etc. Leaders will provide training such as tool use and safety, conduct on-the-job training demonstrations for youth participants starting new projects and facilitate educational and recreational activities on weekends, during spike trips and after work day.
Service Activities
AmeriCorps projects may include invasive species management, herbicide application, park and recreation grounds maintenance , tree planting, prescribed burning, shoreline stabilization and erosion control and trail maintenance.
Community Need Addressed
This program focuses on youth development and job training, with environmental conservation as a learning vehicle. Summer Youth Corps AmeriCorps members lead groups of youth in environmental education and natural resource projects. In addition to completing environmental restoration projects, education curriculum is taught that helps youth build practical skills, connect to the natural environment, become active citizens and prepare for meaningful careers.
Position Outcomes
Members receive training in youth leadership, civic engagement, natural resource management and personal development skills. Corpsmembers also receive training and complete various conservation projects such as tree planting, prairie restoration, streambank stabilization, wildlife surveys, carpentry/construction, timber stand improvement, lakeshore restoration, erosion control, trail construction and maintenance, exotic species management and wildlife habitat improvement.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Stipend, Training
Skills you will gain
Technical Skills: power and hand tool safety and use, power tool maintenance, Red Cross CPR, defensive driving, trailer operation and safety, invasive species management and herbicide application. Personal Skills: youth development, environmental education, team building, communication, conflict resolution, leadership, diversity.
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment