How can students apply what they learn about the environment to their everyday lives? How can we motivate youth to take action improving their local environment? What can kids do to make others in their community aware of environmental issues? Twenty-four members of SCA's New Hampshire Conservation Corps are keeping these questions in mind as they conduct their annual "Education Season" providing environmental education to fourth and eighth grade students at thirteen schools in the Allenstown and Manchester School districts.
The mission of SCA NH is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the communities and land of New Hampshire through conservation service projects that enhance and protect natural areas and to provide environmental education to promote the understanding and stewardship of these natural areas. SCA New Hampshire (SCA NH) is one of SCA's oldest residential corp programs. The Interns are housed in historic cabins at Bear Brook State Park where they share the joys and struggles of rustic life while dedicating a year of their lives to performing direct service. These highly motivated 18-25 year olds enhance and protect the state’s natural areas as well as provide extensive environmental education. Benefits to corps members include a living allowance, health insurance, an AmeriCorps Education Award and the development of their own leadership and team-building skills. The overall experience develops a strong ethic of active citizenship and practical conservation techniques. Projects served by the SCA NH corps touch the lives of tens of thousands of people. Since its incepting SCA NH has been partnered with the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation and Volunteer NH (AmeriCorps). Over the years the partnerships have expanded throughout the state to include the White Mountain National Forest, St. Gaudens Historic National Park, conservation commissions, and more. Corps Members spend much of the winter months providing environmental education and service learning programs to elementary and middle school students in Manchester, NH as well as several community nonprofits. During the summer, the members are engaged in conservation service in the form of trail construction and maintenance, campground rehabilitation and historic preservation as well as further environmental education through the NH Park Interpretive program, Discover the Power of the Parks.
contact the SCA NH corps office at six-zero-three -485-2191
or email: Teresa McNamee
TMcNamee "at" thesca "dot" org
