High School Community Programs Stamford | Stamford |
|
Conservation in Connecticut2007 marked not only The Student Conservation Association’s 50th year, but also marked SCA’s first year of regional programming in southern CT.
Similar to other SCA regional programs throughout the country, the Stamford program employs local high school students to do much needed conservation service work during the summer months. The commuting crews work for six weeks, Monday through Friday, 8 hours a day. In addition to their hard work, the crews participate in a weekly environmental education day and the last week culminates with a four day, three night recreational camping trip. We have already begun the planning and programming for 2008’s Stamford Conservation Crew Program. This summer the program will be significantly expanding with hopes of engaging up to 50 high school students as well as working with new partner sites and environmental/outdoor education organizations, and hiring 10 skilled crew leaders. If you are a high school student interested in becoming a crew member this summer or an adult interested in becoming a crew leader please contact Lori Robertson to request an application at:
Lori Robertson
Or you can apply online! |
This past summer sixteen Stamford area students along with two adult SCA crew leaders worked to remove invasive plant species, perform trail restoration and maintenance, plant native species, and contribute to the ecological health of Stamford community parks and green spaces. It was a lot of hard work during some of the hottest days of the year, but after hearing the feedback from the participants, it was all well worth it. “I loved working with you guys! Every time I pass our project site, I think about it. We did make a change there. I want to be on a crew again next year” commented 16 year old crew member Frank Wright. Thanks to the city of Stamford and many of its local corporations, SCA was able to pilot this program in 2007 and will once again be managing commuting crews in southern Connecticut in 2008.
This unique opportunity allows students to earn money during the summer while making a difference in their communities and the environment. Students leave the program with not only a greater understanding of environmental issues both locally and globally, but also with outdoor recreation and camping experience, applicable job skills, and a heightened sense of leadership and responsibility.