Oregon Youth Conservation Corps - Office of Community Colleges

Transcription

Oregon Youth Conservation Corps
March 2008
Volume 1, Issue 1
Inside
• Director’s
Note
• Featured
Program
• Frank
Roberts
Award
• SCC & CSC
proposals
• Word Search
March 2008
From the desk of the Director
Welcome to the first edition of the Oregon Youth
Conservation Corps E-Newsletter. With programs and
partners located statewide, we decided that it was time we
should “advertise” a bit. It is our hope that this newsletter
will help to keep all of those involved with the OYCC family
informed as to what is happening not only in their region,
but in other regions as well.
It is our hope to be able to produce and deliver this
newsletter at least six times per year. This newsletter is to
be about you; our programs, partners, staff and youth. We
would also love to have it be “youth” driven. Featured
programs, projects and sponsors will be included. We
envision having Program Directors, staff and youth as well
as our partners and sponsors submit the interviews,
suggesting content and providing feedback.
Tell us what you’d like to see. Tech Tips? Curriculum ideas? Innovative new
partnerships? How about a great trip, written and photographed in all its glory? We also
hope to include a “current issues” section where we can keep you informed on issues
that affect all of us.
;
Oregon is a very unique place. From the coastal regions on the Pacific, to the
Willamette Valley, into the Cascade Mountains and through Central Oregon and
beyond into the Great Basin in far Eastern Oregon, OYCC participants are working and
learning to improve the land and their communities. Each of you is a part of a grand
legacy and our state is better because of you.
Our first featured program is Kennedy Alternative School in Cottage Grove. Take a few
minutes to get to know and learn from them.
Kennedy Conservation Corps
The Kennedy Conservation Corps (KCC) is a Community Stewardship Corps (CSC)
program located in Cottage Grove, Oregon. This is our first year working with and
receiving support and scholarships from OYCC. We have between 12 and 15 students
in our program helping the planet at any given time.
This year we have worked with several partners on various projects including:
• For the City of Cottage Grove we completed a wetland mitigation project
creating a new wetland because another was destroyed by the construction of
the industrial park built over a wetland. We planted 5,450 plants in a new
wetland for our town!
•
We have worked with the Coast Fork Willamette Watershed Council and the
Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board completing stream restoration
projects for private land owners. (See featured project below.)
•
We have partnered with Walama Restoration to restore
the Coast Fork Willamette River riparian area. The river
that runs through downtown Cottage Grove.
•
We have propagated over 1,500 native trees for Western
Pond Turtle habitat enhancement for the U.S. Forest
Service.
•
We have partnered with the AmeriCorps Vista program,
Territorial Seed Company and various local sustainable
farms to create the Kennedy Community Garden. We
plan to produce thousands of pounds of food for our
local families and food bank.
•
We have built 500 cedar bird house kits by our own
hands to give to children for Earth Day and they will be
able to assemble and paint them on their own and keep
them.
Featured Project
The KCC has done several stream restoration projects. One of those was on Brian’s
property, a citizen of Cottage Grove. This project was funded by the Oregon Watershed
Enhancement Board (OWEB) who gives small grants (up to $10,000) to people
restoring streams on their property. There are about 15 students in the group that
helped and are continuing to complete this project.
Brian thought of this project as a way to restore the stream that runs through his
property and bring back native fish populations. We have done several things to help
the environment including the removal of invasive plant species such as Himalayan
Blackberry and English Ivy.
After removing the invasive species, hundreds of Pacific Bleeding Heart came back on
their own. We then planted other native species such as Douglas Spirea, Sitka Willow,
Nootka Rose, Indian Plum, Douglas Fir, Snowberry, Red Osier Dogwood, and Red
Alder.
Another part to restoring this stream
involved placing logs in the stream.
This happens naturally, but in
impacted streams humans may
have taken away all the large logs
or trees. Our Crew Leader, Matt
Hall, is a professional sustainable
logger, so he was able to bring his
tools so that we could cut logs.
Using teamwork, we were able to
move them to the stream and place
them permanently in the stream.
Placing large woody debris (logs) in
streams provides shade which
keeps the water cooler, creates
hiding places for fish, natural pools
and habitat for fish, and provides
nutrients and habitat for insects
(which are important in the food web
in riparian areas). The logs also
prevent erosion and when they
create small falls they increase the
dissolved oxygen in the stream.
Featured Partner: Jessica Dugan
By Sarah Mondello, student, KCC
Our featured partner is Jessica Dugan who is the Planning Technician for City of
Cottage Grove. The Kennedy Conservation Corps (KCC) was recommended to the city
to complete a wetland mitigation project by Pam Reber, the Coast Fork Willamette
Watershed Council Coordinator. Pam had been very impressed with the work that the
KCC had completed on previous riparian area restoration projects. Jessica was the
lead staff person for the city’s contract with the KCC program to create new wetlands in
place of those destroyed by an industrial park. The wetland mitigation project began in
2000, when grading was completed. There have been two previous rounds of plantings
in 2000 and 2004. Since then, the project has been ignored and unmonitored. It was
resumed in the summer of 2007 and the city made contact with KCC in October of
2007. Plantings were done over the winter.
Jessica was pleasantly surprised at how fast and efficiently we worked, as we finished
in less than five days. She said it was beneficial to the community in many ways
stating, "the funding goes back into the system. The youth involved will be included in
seeing the future beneficial results." When asked about working with a crew of high
school students as opposed to working with adults, Jessica replied, "It is different, but
not in a bad way. It was refreshing.” Students, she said, were willing to work and have
an easier time learning and adapting to new ideas. They are also more open to wading
through ponds while planting in mud. Our excellent work was recognized at a joint
session with the Cottage Grove City Council and the South Lane School Board. This
writer attended the meeting to represent our school and was pleased the way our work
was highlighted in the artistic presentation that Jessica created. I can only hope to be
present for more expanded projects with partners of the Kennedy Conservation
Program in the future.
Stefan Aumack-Teacher at Kennedy Alternative School
How long have you been with the program?
This is my second year at Kennedy High School in Cottage
Grove. I began working to create the Kennedy
Conservation Corps last year with the support of an OYCC
planning grant. We were eager to start field work and
initiated a conservation crew last year with the support of
several private land owners and community partners.
Much of our field work the first year was done on a
volunteer basis. This allowed us to establish a positive
image in the community while demonstrating the quality
work that students can do while engaged in meaningful
service learning projects.
How did you hear about your current position?
After making the leap from the big digs of Portland to our new homestead on Fall Creek,
John and Doug kept me apprised of programs that were looking to initiate conservation
corps programs. I explored many options in Lane County but realized the opportunity to
create new programs was greatest at Kennedy.
What is the most satisfying part of your job and why?
The most satisfying part of my job continues to be engaging students in new and
meaningful learning opportunities. Exposing students to new ideas and concepts,
creating learning communities that provoke and test new ideas, introducing young adults
to the intrigue and beauty found in our own backyard, and creating positive relationships
that can be leveraged to motivate their academic performance creates meaning to the
work I do. I get to continually learn and grow with my students as I strive to improve the
work that I do.
Important Dates
• 4/10-4/11
Advisory
Committee
Meeting-St.
Helens
• 4/18 Possible
funding
decisions
announced
What is the most challenging part of your job and why?
Having spent several years creating ‘place based’ and issue-centered educational
programs in the Portland area, I have found that in many ways I am recreating my first
years of teaching as I become familiar with the local people, history, geography, and
issues that instill the rich sense of place and have natural relevance in my students’ lives
in Cottage Grove. This challenge is personally rewarding as well, as the paths of inquiry
illuminate the place I was born.
If you could give one tip to a person with your same job, what would it be?
Partnering with the Coast Fork Watershed Council, in particular, has been a great
catalyst for our program. Pam Reber, the watershed council coordinator, has been
extremely active in promoting the Kennedy Conservation Corps within the community.
Partnering with the watershed council has created new relationships with private land
owners as well as non-profit environmental organizations and government land
management agencies in the community.
2007 Frank Roberts Award Winner: Community Services
Consortium (CSC) of Lincoln County
OYCC staff presented the 2007 Frank Roberts Award to CSC of Lincoln County at the
County Commissioners meeting on March 12th. Marie Jones, staff, and crew members
from CSC were there to accept the award. The Newport News Times was there to
capture the event. To read more visit the Newport News Times article at
http://www.newportnewstimes.com/articles/2008/03/14/news/news11.txt
Administrative Chit-Chat with Doug
The purpose of this section is to keep you up to date with what is happening
administratively within OYCC at the state level. Content will focus on current activities
that have recently or are about to take place. This issue will concentrate on proposals.
Proposals were turned in to OYCC in February. Overall, we are pleased with the quality
of the proposals and appreciate the hours that went into the preparation for submission.
For the Summer Conservation Corps (SCC) we received 38 county proposals plus an
additional two (2) Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) proposals.
We also received 23 Community Stewardship Corps (CSC) proposals for full funding
and four (4) planning grant requests. All 67 proposals have been reviewed and
assessed by OYCC staff for compliance. The two OSMB proposals have been turned
in to the Marine Board who will be responsible for making those funding decisions. The
remaining 65 proposals have been mailed to the Selection Committee (a subcommittee
of the OYCC Advisory Committee) for review, grading and selection. We still hope to
be able to announce funding decisions by April 18th; however, the announcements may
be delayed due to uncertain funding levels.
Can you find all
these?
CORPSMEMBER
CREW LEADER
PARTNERSHIP
STEWARDSHIP
TEAMWORK
YOUTH
John Asher
Doug Denning
Jennifer Kerr
mailto:john.asher@state.or.us
mailto:douglas.denning@state.or.us
mailto:jennifer.kerr@state.or.us
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Contact your nearest WorkSource Oregon Center
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May 2008
Volume 1, Issue 2
Inside
• Director’s Note
• Featured
Program
• New Diploma
Requirements
• Administrative
Chit Chat
• Annual Report
• Surveys
May 2008
From the desk of the Director - John Asher
It’s hard to believe that the end of the school year is approaching so quickly. The
2007-2008 school year has been incredibly successful for most of our programs.
That’s not to say that there haven’t been challenges. The loss of federal funding from
Secure Rural Schools and the Workforce Investment Act have created some
concerns and challenges, as well as the increasing program costs such as
transportation. Now would be a very good time to reconnect with some of our past
supporters that have not participated recently.
Has everyone taken the opportunity to view the last (and first) E-Newsletter? I think
that it turned out awesome (thanks Jenn) and big kudos to Kennedy Alternative
School for agreeing to be our guinea pig.
By now, each program should have received the proposal results for next year’s
programs. We appreciate all who applied and look forward to working with those
selected for funding. Sadly, we were not able to fund all of the programs that applied.
The reality of today is that we just don’t have enough resources to go around. I
encourage those not funded for next year to reapply in the future. We will continue to
seek out additional funding opportunities and work with all of our programs to build
better, more sustainable programs.
Doug and I recently returned from an incredibly satisfying week of program visits.
Doug was able to visit the Baker Youth Community Action Program (BYCAP),
Malheur Community Stewardship Corps and the Harney County Youth Express. I
visited the Medford Conservation Corps in Jackson County and the Youth Education
and Stewardship (YES) program in Josephine County. The students were wonderful,
the projects were well planned and the staff was knowledgeable and motivated.
Thanks to the staff at Training and Employment Consortium and The Job Council.
• Double Puzzle
Sumpter’s first library in the town’s 146-year history where BYCAP has worked for
several years. To read a complete article about the library visit the Baker City Herald at
http://www.bakercityherald.com/news/results.cfm?story_no=6450
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Next up is the Summer Conservation Corps training to be held June 15th-18th at
Central Oregon Community College in Bend. We look forward to seeing some of you
there, and for those of you taking the summer off, have a great time and be safe.
Columbia River Youth Corps (CRYC) - Terry Lewis
We are a school year Service Corps and summertime Conservation Corps program.
We are located in beautiful Columbia County, on the mighty Columbia River between
Astoria and Portland. The Youth Corps began in the fall of 1995 operating out of a
10’ by 12’ office in the Columbia County Parks Department facility. The Youth Corps
partnered with the OYCC and St. Helens School District as a pilot project through
Cascade Education Corps in Forest Grove. Today, our campus is centered in a little
white schoolhouse on Bachelor Flat Road near the County Fairgrounds. The staff
consists of one teacher, one part-time instructional assistant and two crew leaders.
We expanded the program from the original 6 students to 28. They come from high
schools within the county, primarily Scappoose and St. Helens. These students find
great success within our integrated program which includes a traditional classroom
and rigorous hands-on field work in their community. These two investments the
students make in themselves and in their greater community pay the double dividend
of academic achievement and active civic responsibility. Our coursework closely
mirrors that of any other high school, but the delivery is centered on personal
development, vocational skills, environmental stewardship and teambuilding.
Posterior view of the crew (and the schoolhouse) participating in the
teambuilding and anger generating activity “ants on a log”.
This school year: CRYC activities in the field & community
We kicked off September of 2007 with orientation and a camping/hiking journey to
Mt. Hood; a grueling adventure that we will remember until the end of time! We
summited Cooper Spur and drank from the glacier run-off.
In October we revisited Santosh Wildlife preserve where the CRYC and Glacier
Gravel have worked together since 2001, developing a natural area from a series of
commercial wash water pits. We removed hundreds of non-native plants, improved
some of the trails we had built and planted over 600 riparian seedlings. The results
are stunning. Habitat is restored and the animals and plants native to the region are
in abundance.
November is leaf season, and once again, we offered free raking to senior and
disabled citizens. The leaves are taken to the community garden (a CRYC project
from 1998) near the senior center and mulched in by the Master Gardeners for the
Food Bank vegetable patch: A fruitful partnership.
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Important
Dates
• 6/15-6/18
SCC Crew
Leader/Teacher
Training-Bend
• 7/10-7/11
Advisory
Committee
meetingLakeview
• 8/18-8/20
CSC Crew
Leader/Teacher
Training-Camp
Cascade
The Vernonia flood devastated the community just up the hill from us. We spent
three weeks helping home owners and relief workers with clean-up and hauling of
contaminated debris.
We hosted an open house for parents in December where students showed off crafts
they have made for holiday gifts – native conifer wreaths, beaded ornaments, pinch
pots and hand-tied tote bags.
Despite January 2007 snow and freezing temperatures, our efforts for watershed
restoration on the upper Nehalem met with success. The crew stuck to it and slogged
through the month planting thousands of trees to help the salmon comeback and the
flood damaged banks.
In March we were also given ornamental trees and shrubs by a local nursery. The
sale of these will pay for our trip to Ashland and Shasta this spring.
The OYCC Advisory Committee held their meeting here in St. Helens April 10th. It
was a pleasure to show off our successes. The students were fabulous speakers and
hosts! We toured our Native Plant Nursery project that surrounds our campus.
Native species are propagated and cared for by the students then planted next winter
along community streams.
CRYC’s Native Plant Nursery
April is trail building time in Tillamook. Our long partnership with State Parks has
made the CRYC the premier trail engineers in the public forest. If you’ve hiked in the
Tillamook, Anna Vacca and her CRYC crew probably built the trail.
May, June, July and August (yes, we go all summer!) more trail building for Oregon
Parks, native planting for the Bureau of Land Management, Columbia River campsite
rehabilitation for County Parks and the State Marine Board, and stream bank
monitoring for the Scappoose Bay Watershed Council. These are only a few of our
partners, and a sampling of our projects. For the complete picture, come out and
visit. We’ll give you a tour and treat you to lunch. Bring your boots.
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Comments from CRYC Students
The Justice League:
1. What do you like about CRYC's program?
"CRYC is a great program! This is not like a high school. You don't have to get to
know eight different teachers. Here at school, we have four teachers that we all know
and love. Each one of my teachers has inspired me and that's what I like the most."
- Jamie C.
2. What conservation projects that we are involved in do you think are most
important?
"I believe that planting trees is the most important conservation project. The trees we
plant will be there for many years to come." - Emily B.
3. What do you believe is the most satisfying part of your job?
"The most satisfying part of our job is looking back on the last week and thinking, I
can't believe we did that.” - Kyle W.
4. What do you believe is the most challenging part of this program?
"The most challenging part of the program, I think, is the overnighters when we work
overtime." - Jack B.
5. What are your favorite tools to use in CRYC’s conservation projects?
"The hazel hoe." - Bry B.
The Justice League puts safety first!
Ninja Warriors:
1. What do you like about CRYC's program?
"The fact that we work to get a diploma and it's actual work." - Anon.
2. What conservation projects that we are involved in do you think are most
important?
"I think the most important projects we did involved the Vernonia flooding last
winter."
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3. What do you believe is the most satisfying part of your job?
"Everything is satisfying working here." - John P.
4. What do you believe is the most challenging part of this program?
"Not missing so much school." - Kendra B.
5. What are your favorite tools to use in CRYC's conservation projects?
"Weed eater" – Brent
Ninja Warriors performing “The Throwaway Three”: a short play on humankind’s history
of recycling (or lack thereof).
Featured Project and Partner - Bureau of Land Management
The BLM tested out growing tree seeds at different elevations within a controlled
environment with fence around the area. The experiment was to test native species
resilience and growth factors. Control variables were various including
pesticide/herbicide resistance, different elevations and weather conditions. The trees
were in rows and spaced out about 4 - 5 feet apart. The fence was about 7 ½ feet tall
an a 1 ½ mile long. The fence was hog wire with chicken wire along the very bottom,
about 10 inchs from the bottom up. The experiment is now over so the BLM had both
crews come out to the sites and remove the fence. The trees should do just fine and
continue to grow to be big, beautiful, old trees.- Jenn L.
This fence was pretty ridicilous but what can you do? It wasn't a hard job to do. The
fence was about 7 feet tall. A lot of the people couldn't reach the top of the fence. I
have no complaints, but then again I slept in a big puddle in my tent.- Michael H.
I enjoy fencing. It makes me feel like I'm doing something in the world. Even though it
is hard, I like it at times. I just get a little frustrated but when we get it done it is a
great feeling. We like doing it for BLM.- Kendra B.
I went to a campsite with the school on work crew. We took down a 6 foot fence. It
was not very fun. At least there was no barbed wire, but the chicken wire was buried
this time. There was a lot of walking.- Bry B.
We traveled about seventy miles from CRYC, we unloaded our camping gear and
went to pull fence. We pulled a lot of fence, packed out the fence, pulled the fence
posts, packed out the fence posts, then loaded it into the trailer and recycled it.- John
P.
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We went on a camping trip to Fishermans Bend which is about 70 miles from CRYC
where we did work for BLM pulling fence out of a tree testing site. It was hard work
especially since I couldn’t reach the top of the fence because I am short and the
fence is around 6 feet tall. After we pulled it all out we took it to a recycling place.
- Jordan I.
We started a project with BLM last week. We went into the mountains near Salem and
took out fence that the BLM put up there to see if non-native trees would grow in the
northwest. What they didn't realize was that the fence they put up was keeping the
animals out and that is what the tree needed.- Kyle W.
Kevin Staley - Crew Leader at CRYC
How long have you been with the program?
I am with the CRYC in St. Helens, Oregon. It is located in an old white schoolhouse
surrounded by beautiful Oregon forests. I joined up with CRYC in the summer of
2006. The program was looking to expand and I was asked to stay on for the school
year. I'm now through my second full school-year.
How did you hear about your current position?
The position was posted on the internet. It was past the due date for applications but
I decided to try my luck. Rather than filling out the online application I sent my
resume straight to the project coordinator. It's all history from there.
What is the most satisfying part of your job and why?
The best part of my job is the locations that we work at. I have traveled all around
Northwest Oregon and have worked and played in some of the most beautiful places!
I also enjoy teaching the students and watching them experience new things.
What is the most challenging part of your job and why?
The most challenging part of my job is working with an age group I was previously
not experienced with. They are a constantly challenging me and presenting me with
problems I had little experience in. This was difficult at first, but I have found a groove
and begun to feel I am helping them on their path through life.
If you could give one tip to a person with your same job, what would it be?
A good tip for a beginner, which I still feel I am, is to be ready to flex. One of our
motto's is “anything can change, at any point, without prior notice” and, in this
business, it rings true!
New Diploma Requirements - Evelyn Roth
In January of 2007, the State Board of Education voted to adopt new high school
graduation requirements.
These new requirements are designed to better prepare each student for success in
college, work, and citizenship. To earn a diploma, students will need to successfully
complete the credit requirements, demonstrate proficiency in essential skills and
meet the personalized learning requirements. Students will have the option to earn
credit for proficiency. The changes to the diploma will be phased in over the coming
seven years.
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What has changed?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Number of credits: The minimum number of credits needed to graduate
was raised from 22 credits to 24 credits.
English: The number of English credits was raised from 3 credits to 4.
Math: The number of math credits required was raised from 2 credits to 3
and these 3 credits must be at the algebra I content level or above.
Science: The number of science credits was raised from 2 credits to 3.
Second Language / Art / Career & Technical Education: The number of
credits required in this area (any combination of the subjects) was raised
from 1 credit to 3.
Electives: The number of required electives was reduced from 9 credits to 6.
(Please note: These refer to state-wide requirements and serve as a
minimum for graduation. Local districts may have additional graduation
requirements.)
Credit for Proficiency: All students will have the option to earn credit for
demonstrating proficiency. This means that a student is given credit for
successful demonstration of knowledge and skills that meets or exceeds
defined levels of performance. Students may demonstrate proficiency
through classroom work or documentation of learning experiences outside of
school, or through a combination of these means. A task force is currently
working to develop guidelines for school districts. Check with your local
school district for details on this and when it will be fully implemented in your
area.
The following requirements personalize the diploma for each student and help
students plan for their post-high school education and career goals.
Education Plan and Profile: Students develop a plan and profile to guide their
learning and document progress toward their personal, career, and post-high school
goals.
Career-Related Learning Standards: Students demonstrate knowledge and skills
in personal management, problem solving, communication, teamwork, employment
foundations, and career development.
Career-Related Learning Experiences: Students participate in experiences that
connect classroom learning with real life experiences in the workplace, community,
and/or school relevant to their education plan.
Extended Application: Students apply and extend their knowledge in new and
complex situations related to the student’s personal career interests and post-high
school goals through critical thinking, problem solving, or inquiry in real world
contexts.
Learn More: For more information about the Oregon Diploma, visit
www.GetReadyOregon.org
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Administrative Chit Chat with Doug
Well, things remain busy here in Salem! Out of the 38 Summer Conservation Corps
(SCC) proposals that were received, 34 programs were funded. This will be the first
time in years that OYCC does not have a summer program in every county. The two
Marine Board proposals that were submitted were also approved. All 23 Community
Stewardship Corps (CSC) full funding requests were approved as were the four CSC
planning grants. Contracts are being drawn up in our Procurement Department as I
write.
Registration for the 2008 SCC Crew Leader Training is currently open. If you have
not registered your Crew Leaders yet please go to the following link and get them
signed up. http://ccwd-test.odccwd.state.or.us/registration/oycc/scct.aspx
Office Administration Updates - Jennifer Kerr
The 2007 Annual Report has been published and roughly 500 copies have been
distributed so far. A total of roughly 1,000 will be distributed to all OYCC programs,
partners, committees and advisory councils.
The electronic version of the Crew Leader and Corpsmember surveys will not be
ready for the CSC final report. However, we hope to have them up and running in
time for the summer reports. Thanks for being patient!
Unscramble
each of the
clue words.
Copy the
letters in the
numbered
cells to
other cells
with the
same
number.
Salem, OR 97310
503-378-8648
To unsubscribe/subscribe or questions contact Jennifer Kerr
John Asher
mailto:john.asher@state.or.us
Doug Denning mailto:douglas.denning@state.or.us
Jennifer Kerr mailto:jennifer.kerr@state.or.us
for assistance.
8
July 2008
Volume 1, Issue 3
Inside
• Featured
Programs
• Administrative
Chit Chat
• Office
Administration
Updates
• Fallen Phrase
July 2008
Summer is finally here! I was wondering if it would ever arrive. The OYCC
Summer Conservation Corps programs are in full swing. We have at least
one crew in 33 out of 36 counties this year and we are piloting a
residential/regional grant with Northwest Youth Corps.
OYCC staff are out and about doing site visits with both admin staff and
the youth on the ground. So far this summer we have managed to visit
quite a few counties and the youth have been awesome. Some of the
projects they are working on include: campground development, horse
corral construction, invasive species removal, painting, trail construction,
fence removal and more!
Once again, some of our programs will be hosting future teachers from
George Fox University. These Master’s students are working side by side
with our crews, gaining valuable experience and understanding of today’s
youth. If you would like to participate in the future, contact us and we will
see if we can match you up.
Our annual Community Stewardship Corps training is coming up quickly. It
will be held August 18-20 this year at Camp Cascade on the beautiful
Little North Fork of the Santiam River. We will be spending some time
reviewing an update of the OYCC Resources of Oregon Curriculum. We
have hired a Curriculum Specialist with the Business Education Compact
to begin the development to state educational standards. Our own Terri
Lewis (Columbia River Youth Corps, St Helens School District) will be
providing her input to ensure that the new curriculum will meet OYCC’s
needs. We will be looking for maximum participation from each of our CSC
programs to provide feedback that will make this curriculum as userfriendly as possible. Looking forward to seeing all of our Teachers and
Crew Leaders, old and new (maybe I should say experienced and
beginning). Let us know if there are some specific topics that you would
like to cover at the training. We want to give our best shot at providing you
with what you need.
Thanks again to you all for continuing to support OYCC and Oregon’s
finest asset; our youth.
1
Important
Dates
• 8/18-8/20:
CSC Crew
Leader/Teacher
Training-Camp
Cascade
• September &
October: Youth
River Stewards
Central Oregon OYCC Crews - Jennifer Kerr
There are a total of 17 OYCC crews in Central Oregon that run for eight
weeks during the summer. During a recent site visit to the area Doug and I
were able to visit six crews and meet 27 youth at the Crooked River
National Grassland, Smith Rock State Park and Sparks Lake Trail. The
crews included the Heart of Oregon Corps and the Central Oregon
Conservation Youth Corps.
Central Oregon has beautiful landscapes that the OYCC crews get the
opportunity to visit and maintain. The youth have the advantage of seeing
these places in ways many people will never experience.
The crews at the Crooked River National Grassland are working on a
lengthy task of trying to eradicate the Juniper. Juniper is an invasive
species that absorbs the water around it and leaves little for other trees.
The crews have also been working at the Pine Ridge and Gray Butte
areas rehabilitating illegal ATV trails (erosion control and camouflaging).
Gray Butte at the Crooked River National Grassland
Other projects these crews have been working on include building and
taking down exclosures and working in caves to clean out garbage that
people left. All crews have been working at Haystack Campground
building trail and pulling weeds. The partners have been very
complimentary and appreciative of the work they are doing there.
One very important safety skill the crews at the grasslands have learned is
using the radio to contact Central Oregon Dispatch and other crews. The
Crew Leaders said that the corpsmembers need to be proactive in using
and understanding the radio. Corpsmember Wilson did a demonstration of
a radio check to dispatch.
2
.
Wilson to Dispatch
Other safety skills include knowing the surroundings, tool safety and
wearing proper clothing such as long sleeve shirts and boots. The crews
also do safety circles before the start of a project. Some of the crews
learned how to grid which the Crew Leaders said was hard and painful,
but worth it. The Crew Leaders were happy to report that there have been
no injuries so far this summer.
Each crew will have three education days during the summer. Recently
some of the crews got to visit Crater Lake where they learned about the
history and how it was formed. This was most people’s first time to Crater
Lake and the Crew Leaders agreed that it was fun to take them there and
give them that experience. Most crews have been or will get to go rock
climbing at Smith Rock State Park. The corpsmembers feel that having
these education days gives them the opportunity to look at these activities
as possible careers.
Doug Denning (center) and corpsmembers from the Grassland
3
The crews we visited at Smith Rock State Park had just finished a day of
rock climbing led by Chockstone Climbing Guides. All corpsmembers
seemed to enjoy rock climbing despite being exhausted and scraped up.
They learned how to belay which is to protect a climber from falling using
a rope. Most people on the crew found it most difficult to rappel which is to
descend on a fixed rope.
These crews have done some water development work, fence
maintenance, thinning with loppers and weed pulling. They have also
done some work at Tam McArthur Rim which is south of Sisters.
Corpmembers and Crew Leader Stephanie (bottom L) Volunteer and Program Manager
for the Ochoco’s Lynn Roby (center), and Crew Leader Mike (bottom R)
4
On our second day visiting crews we met up with the Central Oregon
Conservation Youth Corps at Sparks Lake Trail. The 2.5 mile trail is
completely surrounded by lava flows and leads to the southern portion of
Sparks Lake. The crew has been busy clearing many miles of trail and
managed to clear 27 miles of trail in one week. During our visit we helped
them clear roughly two miles of trail. Throughout our time with them it was
very apparent that they knew what they needed to do and did it without
having to be asked. When a corpsmember struggled with something
another one would step in and help them out. Each corpsmember
completed the tasks the Crew Leader gave them and caught right back up
with the group. Crew Leader Scott commented on how a few weeks into
the summer everyone knows what to do and spreads out to get the job
done.
Map of the trails the crew has cleared so far
This crew has already been rock climbing and plans to go to Newberry
Crater for their next education day. When asked what their favorite part
about being on crew is the answers were varied. Paul said hiking is his
favorite, Hilary likes the outdoors and to see different places and Zach
likes the work they do and loves his crew. Most youth on the crews are
saving the money they earn during the summer. Some are saving every
pay check and others are saving parts of them and spending the other.
Some are saving for college and one corpsmember is planning on moving
to Tualatin to attend Mt. Hood Community College to become a Welder.
Some things the youth are buying include clothes, games, movies and car
insurance.
5
Central Oregon Conservation Youth Corps at Sparks Lake Trail
The crew uses several different tools to clear the trail. They use a Pull
Saw to cut branches that dangle overhead, they use Hazel Hoe’s to
replace or maintain water bars, and they also have tools that are used to
cut back small branches along the bottom sides of the trail.
Crew hard at working replacing a water bar
During the eight week summer program Assistant Crew Leaders are hired.
The assistant must have been on crew the year before and exhibit
outstanding leadership skills. Assistant Crew Leaders are hired for each
crew and receive a slight pay differential. The job is to assist the Crew
Leader in preparing tools and equipment for the project as well as
collecting everyone’s time cards, checking hours and activities for the day.
6
Administrative Chit Chat with Doug - Doug Denning
Summer is upon us! It is our intent to visit at least 18 Summer
Conservation Corps programs each summer. We are off to a great start so
far and plan on reaching that goal by mid-August! I have been busy going
through Community Stewardship Corps (CSC School-year programs) final
reports. The reports look good overall and I appreciate all of the time and
effort that goes into each one. I should have fresh statistics for the next
newsletter.
As John mentioned the CSC Crew Leader Training will be August 18-20. It
will be held at Camp Cascade again this year. The open registration
period for the training is July 28 – August 13. This is a mandatory training
for all CSC programs.
We are gearing up for the 2008 Youth River Stewards program. These are
three-day/two-night working canoe trips on the Willamette River. This year
we will be making a total of six trips starting the second week of
September and ending on October 23. Dr. Jeff Gottfried of Educational
Recreational Adventures will again be providing instructional education on
each of the trips.
As the CSC final reports come rolling in I have been busy entering all of
the survey data collected from the Crew Leaders and corpsmembers. We
still plan on having the surveys for the Summer Conservations Corps final
reports available to complete online. The CSC surveys will be available
online to use next year. I will be doing some system testing and may ask a
few programs to be involved in that.
Can you solve the fallen phrase?
C
O
H
E
N
E
B
A
Y
M M
John Asher
Doug Denning
Jennifer Kerr
john.asher@state.or.us
douglas.denning@state.or.us
jennifer.kerr@state.or.us
Jennifer Kerr
T
Salem, OR 97310
503-378-8648
E
for assistance.
7
September 2008
Volume 1, Issue 4
September 2008
Inside
• Featured
Program
• Youth River
Stewards
• Advisory
Committee
member Bio
• Administrative
Chit Chat
• Office
Administration
Updates
• Word Search
Fall is here! And the 2008-2009 school-year is off to a great start. Last
week we finished our third Youth River Stewards trip of the year. Both
students and staff have been awesome and we’re looking forward to the
next three trips.
The OYCC Advisory Committee will be meeting in Baker City on October
9th and 10th. It’s been a while since we’ve been to B.C. and we are excited
to hear and see the great things that Training and Employment
Consortium and the BYCAP (Baker Youth Community Action Program)
are doing. We plan on following our meeting with a tour of the Sumpter
Library/Museum and the Sumpter Railroad where the students have been
working on some great projects.
Final reports for the Summer Conservation Corps are coming in. So far, it
appears we had a wonderful summer. Glad to see that the number of
accidents is down. Safety First!
Staff will be working hard on the grant guidelines for next year’s programs
soon. We have had many inquiries from new folks inquiring into our
programs and possible opportunities.
The new OYCC Natural Resources curriculum will be finished any day
now. As soon as we receive it we will be distributing it to each of our
Community Stewardship Corps programs. I would encourage each of you
to work closely with all educational staff to utilize this resource. I think that
the “scoring rubrics” will be especially valuable to ensure that we are
meeting Department of Education standards. Please feel free to provide
us with your thoughts and feelings as to the curriculum’s design. In the
future, we plan on adding additional subjects such as construction math,
writing, etc.
We will be sending out information on the January Coalition Meeting for
Community Stewardship Corps Directors and Fiscal Managers soon. It is
extremely important that each program send a representative(s) to this
meeting. This is the only time of the year that we have the opportunity to
meet together and discuss our programs, activities, issues of concern and
best practices. We look forward to seeing you there.
Take care and enjoy the remaining (dry) weather,
John
1
Multnomah Youth Corps – Rose Sandy
The Multnomah Youth Cooperative has been one of OYCC’s Community
Stewardship Corps programs since 1997 and is located in Fairview,
Oregon. We work with a variety of partners such as the Cities of Troutdale
and Gresham, the Port of Portland, Oregon State Parks and the Nature
Conservancy. Our projects include native habitat restoration along
streams and in wetlands, trail building and maintenance, native plantings,
as well as invasive and noxious weed removal. Our program is run out of
the Reynolds Learning Academy, a small public high school. We typically
have around fifteen students and there are two crew leaders. Students
spend alternating days in the field on crew and in the classroom learning
core curriculum. In addition to our typical school day we spend some
weekend days participating in community events such as our annual Earth
Day event with the City of Troutdale in April and participate in the
Watershed wide event with the Johnson Creek Watershed Council in
March.
Several times per year our group takes overnight trips; this year we were
selected to participate in the Youth River Stewards program. Priority was
given to students who were seniors, had completed a full year in the
program with excellent attendance and participation. We spent several
classroom periods planning our menu, tent and cook groups, and
discussing what to expect from the trip as far as logistics, work and
education. We shopped for supplies together in three small groups to give
students an opportunity to gain experience in cost comparison, necessary
quantity and budgeting. The trip is an amazing way to get to know
students in a structured social environment, away from the strains of
typical daily routines. Canoeing in particular was great for bonding since it
puts us all on a more even level; each person was key to the success of
the group. We all became closer because of the experience, which in turn
creates a better team for working together
Multnomah Youth Corps Canoe Trip – Jennifer Kerr
Multnomah Youth Corps (MYC) was one of six programs chosen to
participate in OYCC’s Youth River Stewards program. MYC brought 10
youth and 2 Crew Leaders to participate in the 3 day/2 night camping and
canoe trip along the Willamette River.
The crew arrived energized and ready to get on the river. OYCC staff went
over water safety, expectations and how to canoe. The crew was fitted for
life jackets and paddles and started off their 12 mile, 4 hour paddle to
Willamette Mission State Park.
2
Important
Dates
• September &
October: Youth
River Stewards
• 10/9-10/10:
Advisory
Committee
Meeting-Baker
City
• 10/15: Summer
Conservation
Corps Final
Reports Due
Getting fitted for life jackets
The second day the crew began a weed control project at Willamette
Mission State Park. The crew spent approximately 4 hours and made a lot
of progress cutting down Scotch Broom. The Scotch Broom is cut because
it is an invasive species that reduces wildlife habitat and impedes
revegetation.
Crew working on a field of Scotch Broom
After the work project the crew had lunch and paddled 5 miles, 1.5 hours
to Grand Island. Dr. Jeff Gottfried of Educational Recreational Adventures
led several activities including throwing Atlatl Darts and shooting bow and
arrows.
3
The third day the crew had breakfast and headed out for the 15 mile, 4
hour paddle to San Salvador State Park where they departed for home.
The crew’s feedback was very positive. They worked hard and were
organized and prepared for the learning and work activities.
Multnomah Youth Corps – Student Interviews
My name is Sydne Wheeler. I am a part of the Multnomah Youth
Cooperative. This will be my second year as a crewmember. I first was
interested in crew after there were some announcements about summer
crew. I looked more into it and realized it would be a great thing to help me
graduate and have a good time and be out in the field instead of being in a
classroom. It would work with my credits and help me stay on track in
school. The most satisfying thing about crew would have to be completing
a large project and seeing how much can be accomplished as long as you
set your mind to it. Last year we had to haul about 300 plants to a site that
was about a half a mile hike in and it took a lot of teamwork and effort.
We planted them all and seeing how good it looked when we were done
was awesome. For me, the most challenging thing about crew would be
the cold, wet, Portland winter weather. But, I guess that makes things
more satisfying when you can still get a lot done despite how horribly cold
it can get. Some advice I would give to someone that was interested in
joining MYC would be that the work might be though at times and you
might feel like giving up, but the satisfaction when you see the project
done is such an awesome feeling that it’s worth every ounce of energy put
into it.
My name is Angela Choi and I have been with MYC for two years. I first
heard about this program in school, two years ago. There were a few MYC
students that were going around to a few classes talking about joining
MYC summer crew. I think the most satisfying thing about being on MYC
is knowing that I always have someone that has my back under any
circumstances. MYC is like my second family, we are all so close.
4
I spend more time with my peers than I do with my family. But my most
favorite thing about being on MYC is being able to go out on the field
every other day and helping our community. Another big plus is the
awesome trips that we get to go on, like our Wenaha River backpacking
trip and our stay in the Oregon Coast Aquarium and working with the Port
of Newport removing Scotch Broom. The most challenging thing for me is
working in the cold, wet, Oregon winter weather! My hands can get so
numb that it hurts to move them. If I could give a tip to anyone that is
interested in joining MYC is that you don’t have to try to impress us or try
to be anybody you are not. We are all unique in our own ways and we are
all very accepting.
My name is Steve Boechler and this is my third year working with the
Multnomah Youth Cooperative (MYC). I heard about the program from my
Crew Leader Rose Sandy. The most satisfying part of MYC would be
taking on a project and seeing the progress. One of my favorite projects
that we’ve worked on is the Better Beaver Behavior project with the Port of
Portland. This consisted of cutting and fitting steel chicken wiring around
the cottonwoods then stake the caging to the ground with wooden stakes.
Our motive behind this was the beavers were gnawing on the elder
cottonwoods which provided shade for the Columbia River Slough to
prevent bacterial growth. The most challenging part of the program for me
would be working in the harsh winter weather, being out there rain, sleet,
or snow. One bit of advice that I would give to someone who wants to join,
just be your self. I had a really good time on the canoe trip, we had
beautiful weather and saw quite a bit of wildlife as well. I learned more
about the Missoula floods than I already knew, I had no idea how massive
and extensive this series of floods really were, I just thought it was one
massive flood.
My name is Antonio meadows and I am currently in MYC. We are located
in Fairview Oregon at Reynolds Learning Academy. This is my senior year
and I’m on my second year with MYC. I found out about this program
when an old crew member asked me if I was interested in joining their
crew. Obviously I was, mainly because I needed a good change in my life
and I thought I could benefit from the program. The most satisfying thing
about this program is seeing the difference you can make in your
community in such a small group. You really can make a difference if you
try. The most challenging thing for me would have to be the winter
weather conditions cold, rain, and windy days. It’s even more satisfying
getting through the season. Some advice I would give to future members
of this crew is:
Out in the field this is hard work. To get what needs to be done you must
respect other members and work together. The effort you put in this group
will come back to you in a learning experience about better knowing your
self and this world.
5
The Job Council Canoe Trip – Cynthia Risan
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the OYCC
Youth River Stewards canoe trip. I joined The Job Council (TJC) youth
program from Medford on the afternoon of their second day. I spent the
afternoon with Kate Giles and Joe Anderson, Crew Leaders for TJC,
Lindsey an AmeriCorps volunteer, Jeff Gottfried (Educational Recreational
Adventures), and nine youth from The Job Council youth program.
I met the group at the Willamette Mission State Park. They had spent the
night at the park and the morning working to eliminate Scotch Broom. By
the time I joined them, they already knew the do’s and don’t’s of canoeing
and learned about the Willamette River. Jeff Gottfried had spent time with
the youth and crew leaders talking about identifying birds and learning
about the history and importance of the Willamette River and the Missoula
Floods.
The Youth River Stewards Crew broke camp on their second day and
were anxious to begin paddling. I climbed into the canoe with Jennifer
(one of the youth crew members) and she quickly taught me canoe
balancing techniques. We all passed behind the Wheatland Ferry and
paddled to Grand Island. It was a lovely afternoon and I thoroughly
enjoyed learning about bird species from Jennifer.
On our way to Grand Island, Jeff taught us about Wapato. I had never
heard of Wapato, a small, acorn shaped, root that is found in the mud. I
was completely unsuccessful at finding any Wapato, but got very muddy
trying.
At Grand Island, Jeff taught us about Archery and throwing spears with an
Atlatl. It was very interesting and great fun (even if I never hit the target!).
Many of the young adults showed patience and persistence in perfecting
their aim.
Cynthia
6
Thank you very much for the wonderful day. I greatly enjoyed my time on
the river and spending time with The Job Council youth program. They
were an amazing group of young people. I also want to express my
appreciation to John Asher, Doug Denning, and Jennifer Kerr. I learned
more about this wonderful program.
Advisory Committee Member Bio
Bill Hastie is currently a member of the OYCC
Advisory Committee. Bill’s term to serve on the
committee is 12/5/06-12/4/09. Bill’s
responsibilities while being on the committee
include attending the quarterly OYCC meetings
and provide input that may be needed
regarding the OYCC programs. Bill may also be
asked to participate in making the selections for
the programs who receive funding from OYCC.
He is currently Chairperson of the Oregon
Resources Education Advisory Committee at
Oregon State University School of Forestry,
serves on ODFW’s Salmon-Trout Program
Advisory Committee and is President-elect of
Northwest Aquatic & Marine Educators.
Formerly, he was Executive Director of Friends of Netarts Bay, and an
Associate with David Heil & Associates of Portland. He is a nationally
recognized leader in the field of marine and aquatic education, with
extensive experience in natural resource interpretation, conservation and
education.
7
Bill has held a range of public sector leadership positions with Oregon
Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State University Extension,
and the Oregon Governor’s Office. He created Oregon’s first Angler
Education and Aquatic Education Program, and developed and
implemented many interactive exhibits at the Oregon State Fair and other
local events dealing with fishing, hunting, wildlife management, salmon
restoration, and watershed education. A former high/middle school
science teacher, he has led many educator workshops and seminars. He
remains active on the staff of the Creeks & Kids Educator workshops and
the Oregon Plan for Salmon & Watersheds Outreach Team. Bill holds an
MS from Western Oregon University. He and his wife Theda live in the
Pringle Creek Watershed in Salem and doesn’t fish as much as he’d like.
OYCC has a nine-member Advisory Committee. Stay tuned for more
member bio’s.
Where has the year gone?! Our Summer Programs (SCC) are over,
Community Stewardship Corps (CSC) Programs are in full swing and we
are in the middle of the Youth River Stewards trips.
I have almost finished compiling the statistics for the 2007-2008 CSC
school-year. We are waiting for a few last corrections to the reports to
have the final tallies. Overall the numbers look pretty good. The partner
match should come in between 8:1 to 9:1 for the year which is extremely
impressive. SCC Final Reports are due to OYCC by October 15th. Please
do not forget to turn in the surveys☺.
This fall we are taking six Youth River Stewards trips on the Willamette
River. These are 3-day/2-night trips that start in West Salem and end near
St. Paul. This year’s participants are: Multnomah Youth Cooperative,
Kennedy Conservation Corps, The Job Council, Alpha Conservation
Corps, Santiam Wilderness Academy and Oregon City Service Learning
Academy. This year we have again contracted with Dr. Jeffry Gottfried of
Educational Recreational Adventures, Inc. to provide the educational
component on the trips. Every trip we learn something new. Thanks Jeff!
That’s it for now. I should have some good statistics for you by the time
the next Newsletter goes out.
Youth River Stewards season is here and is keeping us busy. It is
wonderful to see everyone have such a great time and learn so much.
Look for more pictures and stories from our next three trips in the
November issue.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions or topics you would like
to see included in the newsletter.
8
Word Search
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ATLATL
GRAND ISLAND
SCOTCH BROON
ST PAUL
WAPATO
WILLAMETTE
John Asher
Doug Denning
Jennifer Kerr
Salem, OR 97310
503-378-8648
Jennifer Kerr
for assistance.
9
November 2008
Volume 1, Issue 5
November 2008
Inside
• Featured
Program
• Advisory
Committee
member Bio
Wow! It’s November already. We have finally completed the Youth River
Stewards trips for the fall and are back in the office for awhile. The five
trips were wonderful this year. The youth were all polite, engaged and
respectful. They were also very good workers. The projects this year
included lots of Scot’s Broom removal, some equestrian trail work,
rebuilding of a berm and some painting.
We were very fortunate to have Tim Wood, Director of Oregon Parks and
Recreation Department join us down on “the slough” for an afternoon,
along with Ryan Sparks, Park Manager for the Willamette Mission Unit. As
always, Team Leader Bonnie Cunningham, spent time with the crews and
shared her story of her days as a Corpsmember prior to going to school
and on to working for Parks. What a great “poster child”.
• Governor’s
Summit
We are also extremely pleased to have the curriculum done and mailed.
You should have yours by the time you read this. If you do not, or wish
additional copies let us know. We hope to add more subjects in the future,
probably starting with contemporary mathematics or construction math.
• Administrative
Chit Chat
Doug and I attended the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and
Association of Oregon Counties conferences in Eugene this month.
Always a great place to receive information and opportunities for
partnerships throughout Oregon.
• Office
Administration
Updates
• Matching
Activity
OYCC has added two new Advisory Committee members in the last few
months; James Straub from the Eugene area and Pat Willis from Portland.
James has a background in building management and Pat is the former
director of Jackson Bottom Wetlands and is currently operating a lavender
farm on Sauvie Island. We also bid good-bye to our former Chair, Cyndy
Coleman-Marshall. I cannot begin to list Cyndy’s accomplishments in the
short space provided but realize that there is not one OYCC program that
she has not reviewed or was unfamiliar with. We look forward to a time
when we can “get her back” and wish her luck.
Next up…a new grant cycle for both summer and school year programs.
With the current economic downturn the selections for 2009-2010 are
going to be challenging. At this time, it is unclear as to when and if,
reductions will be necessary. As responsible stewards of public funds,
funding will be granted (as available) to those programs that continue to
perform at the highest levels of OYCC expectations.
1
Important
Dates
• 1/8-1/9:
Advisory
Committee
Meeting-Salem
• 1/14:
Community
Stewardship
Corps Coalition
Meeting
• 1/16: Summer
Conservation
Corps Letters
of Intent Due
• 1/23:
Community
Stewardship
Corps Letters
of Intent Due
Make sure that you review the OYCC Important Dates 2009 document
posted on our website for due dates and upcoming events.
All for now,
John
Integral Youth Services – Kathi Milem
We are Integral Youth Services (I.Y.S.) and are located at 115 North 10th
St. in Klamath Falls Oregon. Our relationship with OYCC began in 1992
with summer work crews. In 1995 our year-round program with OYCC
began. Our year-round program is called Teamwork and involves high
school students in many different projects during the school year. We also
have a summer work program that involves 4 different crews. The yearround Teamwork Program consists of 2 different crews with 5 students on
each crew. One crew works Mondays and Wednesdays while the other
works Tuesdays and Thursdays. We have many different partners that we
work with including the City of Klamath Falls, Klamath Basin
Wingwatchers, Winema National Forest, B.L.M. and the numerous
different agencies associated with Integral Youth Services. The types of
projects we have done are weed abatement, trail building, bank
restoration at Lake Ewauna, seasonal banner changing for the city of
Klamath Falls, fence building, painting, drywall and furniture moving. The
Teamwork Program students are involved in just about anything, within
reason, that needs to be done around I.Y.S.
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Featured Partner - Klamath Basin Wingwatchers Association
Our featured partner is the Klamath Basin Wingwatchers Association.
They got involved with our Teamwork Program because they heard, from
other partners, that the I.Y.S. Teamwork Program was willing to do
volunteer work for them. Teamwork has been doing different projects for
them now for about 2 years. Bill Wood is the person we work with and he
feels the benefits of working with a crew is that they can always get more
done than just doing it himself. He also added that our crew has always
been willing to do whatever is asked of them. The challenges are that
there is usually one or two students that need to be watched for a while to
make sure things get done right. Working with students is different than
working with adults because the students seem to get things done quicker.
Featured Project – Klamath Basin Wingwatchers Trail
One of our most exciting and rewarding projects is the Klamath Basin
Wingwatchers Trail. The project is funded by the Wingwatchers, which is a
non-profit organization that relies on donations and volunteers. There are
10 students, 2 crews of 5 youth that work on the project. The
Wingwatchers thought of the project because of major bank erosion along
the west bank of Lake Ewauna. The impact this project has on the
community and environment is that now there is a solid, safe bank on the
lake that will help in the migration process of the birds. We also built a new
trail and hauled loads of gravel so the community can enjoy the beautiful
area created for bird watching. By doing this work the students earn a
small stipend and receive scholarship credit hours. In the end, everyone
involved gets a great sense of accomplishment along with the students
gaining valuable work experience.
Mike Milem – Crew Leader for IYS
My name is Michael Milem and I am
currently the Teamwork Facilitator at
Integral Youth Services in Klamath Falls,
Oregon. I have been working here at
I.Y.S. since April 7th of 2008. I heard
about this job from my sister, Kathi
Milem, who is the Education Programs
Director here at I.Y.S. I have always
felt a need to work with kids and this job
was the perfect opportunity for me to
have that chance.
I think the most challenging part of my job is that most of these kids have
not had much work experience, so just about everything we do is a
challenge for them, at first. It is great to see them learn as they go and
watch them transform into good workers who really take pride in what they
are doing. Their sense of accomplishment once they are done is beyond
comparison. That is probably the most satisfying part of my job.
3
If I could give one tip to someone who is just starting to work in this field
with “at-risk” youth it would be that these are kids who deserve a chance
to make it in the world that has labeled them “at-risk.” If you take the time
to give them the opportunity to try something different and you never give
up on them, the positive growth that is achieved is worth all the time you
have invested.
Advisory Committee Member Bio – PattiAnn Monzie
I have been a member of the OYCC Advisory
Committee since January 1, 2005 and am now in
my second term on the Committee. I served as
Vice-Chair under Cyndy Coleman-Marshall and
became chair when Cyndy resigned from the
Board due to family medical issues. My year as
Chair is just beginning (even though I acted as
Chair for all of last year!).
I was approached by the past Director of OYCC
to become a member of the Advisory Committee
because of the active role that I had played for years working with summer
youth programs. I had not thought about becoming a Board Member until
that time but the position fit in very well with my position and duties
working for the Forest Service.
I love working with kids – that has to be my favorite part of this program as
well as other programs that I am involved with. Volunteers, summer youth
programs and recruiting at colleges for the Forest Service are the most
rewarding part of my position. I love the interaction with young people –
watching them develop and seeing where they get to in life!
I currently work for the Forest Service at the (beautiful) Columbia River
Gorge National Scenic Area in Hood River, Oregon. I have been in this
office for nearly 20 years after transferring from the Forest Service in
Montana. I have been in several different positions since I have come to
this office and I feel that the one I am in now is the most fulfilling for me. I
have been an Information Assistant, Human Resources Manager, Public
Affairs Specialist, Civil Rights Manager, Administrative Officer, and now an
Administrative Specialist (which actually combines several jobs into one!).
I am also a member of the Hood River Education Foundation Board which
is the primary scholarship and grant program in Hood River County. I have
served on that Board for approximately 10 years and as the Treasurer for
the past 4.
I did not graduate from Oregon State University; however, I have probably
spent as much time there as some students who have attended there.
Both of our sons, Cameron and Tyler, attended and graduated from OSU
and between both boys I went to 10 OSU Mom’s Weekends and attended
MANY intramural sporting events and baked enough goodies to put me in
the Guinness Book of Records! I am a true Beaver Believer…I may not
4
have gone there but my sons and my money did!
I enjoy walking and hiking with my dog Marley; going on road trips with my
husband Jim; spending time with my family; and cooking for friends
football games, basketball games, and family whenever we can gather
together.
Governor’s Summit for Disproportionate Representation of
Minorities in the Juvenile Justice System – Jennifer Kerr
The Governor’s Minority Youth Awards were established to honor Oregon
minority youth who make positive choices and become successful in their
lives. The awards are given to youth ages 14-25 who overcome difficult
times and hardships that have also shown consistent progress in
overcoming adversity. The awards are presented at the Governor’s
Summit on Eliminating Disproportionate Minority Contact in the Juvenile
Justice System.
This year, Sobeyda Luque, an OYCC Corpsmember was honored at the
summit. Sobeyda is a member of Training and Employment Consortium
(TEC) in Malheur County.
Sobeyda had a child at 15, dropped out of school and joined the OYCC
program at TEC. She continued on and attended Treasure Valley
Community College where she received her CNA Certificate. Now, she is
an assistant Crew Leader for TEC. Sobeyda attended the summit where
she received her award and participated on the youth panel.
Former Governor Kitzhaber presenting the award to Sobeyda
For more information on the awards visit
http://www.oregon.gov/OYA/dmcsummit/2008/summit.htm
5
I cannot remember another year that has flown by so quickly! It seems
surreal planning events for the summer of 2009!
The Community Stewardship Corps (CSC) had another very successful
school-year for 2006-2007. I would like to share some of the overall
numbers with you:
Youth Enrolled – 594
Scholarships Awarded – $190,499.00
Credits Earned – 2,241
Diplomas Awarded – 116
GEDs Awarded – 22
Total Match Raised – $3,478,116.00
Match Ratio – 9.03/1
Thank you to all of our providers and the valued sponsors and partners
that make these CSC programs a success!
There are still a few Summer Conservation Corps (SCC) Final Reports
that are being revised so I do not have final numbers yet. I will say,
however, the summer programs were extremely successful and the SCC
Corpsmember comments on the surveys have been good.
Just a heads-up……..OYCC Letters of Intent will be due before you know
it! Summer Conservation Corps Letters will be due January 16th and
Community Stewardship Corps Letters will be due January 23rd. All
programs that intend to apply for OYCC funding MUST submit a Letter of
Intent prior to writing a proposal. Please feel free to contact me if you have
any questions or concerns around this requirement.
Directors and Administrators of CSC programs, please save the date of
January 14th for the OYCC Coalition Meeting. Meeting time and location
will be announced soon.
That’s all I have for now. I hope that you all have a happy and peaceful
holiday season!
As many of you know it has been our intent to make the surveys available
online for quite some time now. I am very happy and relieved to say that
all of the online surveys have been built and system testing will begin very
soon. Watch for information on how to access the surveys online.
6
Matching Activity
Match the following names to the letter that corresponds to their
job title.
Kathi Milem
___
Mike Milem
___
Sobeya Luque
___
Ryan Sparks
___
Bonnie Cunningham
___
Tim Wood
___
PattiAnn Monzie
___
Jim Straub
___
Pat Willis
___
A. New OYCC Advisory Committee Member
B. Team Leader
C. OYCC Advisory Committee Chair
D. Youth Award Winner
E. Teamwork facilitator
F. Oregon Parks and Recreation Director
G. Education Programs Director
H. Park Manager
I. New OYCC Advisory Committee Member
John Asher
Doug Denning
Jennifer Kerr
Salem, OR 97310
503-378-8648
Jennifer Kerr
7
for assistance.

Oregon Youth Conservation Corps - Office of Community Colleges

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