Here at Bear Brook State Park the New Hampshire Conservation Corps is very fortunate to live in an old camp facility built in the earlier part of the last century. There is a great big lodge with a kitchen and modern shower and bathhouse. There’s an office building and many cabins. In the winter time the AmeriCorps members, literally, bunk-up in larger wood heated cabins. When the weather warms up a bit everyone can enjoy a little more “elbow room” by spreading out into the smaller rustic cabins. Unfortunately, these cabins have not had regular upkeep in many years. This year, with help of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and State Park support, we have been able to start giving these little cabins some much needed TLC.
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
