SUMMER YOUTH CORPS
CREW MEMBER MANUAL -2020-
Resources restored . Lives changed .
THE CREW MEMBER EXPERIENCE Congratulations on being offered a position with Conservation Corps Minnesota! Your summer with the Corps will be exciting, challenging, and unforgettable. As a Summer Youth Corps member, you will spend four weeks doing important work to improve the environment and help connect people to nature. During your term with the Corps, you will become skilled at living outdoors, become part of a closely-knit crew of other youth, perform valuable conservation work in state and national parks, and learn about the environment, yourself and others. This summer will be wonderful in some ways, challenging in others, and it is sure to be the experience of a lifetime! Conservation Corps Minnesota encourages you to look over this manual with a parent or guardian and discuss the following information to make your decision about your involvement in this program.
WHAT IS THIS CORPS ALL ABOUT? The Summer Youth Corps aims to develop youth through outdoor, natural resource work and educational and recreational activities. The summer program provides summer jobs for teenagers, ages 15-18. Our 8-week summer program is residential and based in St. Croix State Park near Hinckley Minnesota. During the work week, crews of eight youth and two leaders work on natural resource and conservation projects in various state parks, national parks, and public lands around Minnesota. These projects are often physically demanding, as you will be practicing basic outdoor work skills and maintaining Minnesota’s habitats. Crew members participate in educational and environmental learning each week. This isn't the typical classroom setting; it’s hands-on learning that is exciting and rewarding!
THE WORK YOU WILL BE DOING Crew members work hard, rain or shine, on a variety of outdoor natural resource and service projects. In the past, these projects have included trail construction/ maintenance, foot-bridge construction, invasive plant removal, campsite restoration, native tree plantings, and wildlife projects. We expect our crew members to work hard and uphold the mission of the Conservation Corps. Much of the work is exhausting but the rewards are great. Whatever the project, staff and youth will learn new job skills and learn to work as a team. You will be traveling to various site locations (called “spike” trips) accomplishing these projects. Most of the summer will be spent living in state parks, working and camping for one to two weeks at a time. Crews will be working outdoors, camping in tents, cooking over camp stoves, and exploring Minnesota.
MISSION AND GOALS Mission Conservation Corps Minnesota provides hands-on environmental stewardship and service-learning opportunities to youth and young adults while accomplishing conservation, natural resource management, and emergency response work. •
Goals: Develop good work habits and work ethic: pride in work, safety, working to maximum potential, working together to achieve a common goal, and understanding the purpose and benefits of the work projects.
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Personal growth: self discovery, leadership development, positive decisionmaking, career exploration, patience with self and others, adaptation to new people and a new environment, respectful attitude, new friendships, group unity, and self esteem through overcoming challenges.
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Learn, understand, and appreciate the environment: home and nature
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Gain a positive public image: respect for other people's privacy, sense of pride after leaving a camp, interaction with the public through work projects and evening/weekend activities.
ACTIVITIES Crew members have many opportunities to increase their awareness and understanding of the environment, develop stewardship habits that benefit our natural world, learn about conservation careers, and develop leadership, teamwork and positive decision-making skills. You will participate in educational activities each day and recreational activities each weekend. Our program promotes learning and personal development through active participation in outdoor, hands-on learning experiences. On the weekends crew members try their hand at a variety of recreational activities, such as canoeing, hiking, fishing, visiting museums, and learning about local history and culture.
A Typical Weekday 6:30 am
Morning wake-up bell
7:00 am
Morning exercises
7:30 am
Breakfast
8:00 am
Educational Activity
8:30 am
A Typical Weekend Sleep in!
7:30 am
Breakfast for early risers
Crews depart for work
8:30 am
Early morning groups depart (church, fishing, etc.)
10:30 am
Morning 15 minute break
10:30 am
Brunch
12:00 pm
Lunch in the field
12:30 pm
Educational Activity
1:00 pm
Back to work
11:30 am
Groups leave for day activities (laundry, hiking, canoe trip, interpretive center, etc.)
2:30 pm
Afternoon 15 minute break
4:30 pm
Arrive at camp/spike site
4:30 pm
Groups return from day activities
5:30 pm
Dinner
5:30 pm
Dinner
6:30 pm
Evening activities
6:30 pm
Evening activities (campfire, games, movies, etc.)
9:30 pm
In cabins or tents
10:00 pm
In cabins or tents
10:00 pm
Lights out
10:30 pm
Lights out
SUMMER PROGRAM RULES You will have to live by some basic ground rules. These rules are in place for the safety of everyone in the program and the growth of healthy young adults. Breaking a BIG 9 rule is grounds for being sent home immediately. A refusal to follow other Corps policies will result in a Incident Report (IR). Three IRs will result in being sent home immediately.
DO • Be on time for work and activities • Work hard and follow directions • Be a helpful and contributing member of your crew and our Corps community • Push yourself to develop new skills, try new challenges, and meet new friends • Respect yourself, others, the equipment, and the environment • Have a positive attitude
DON’T (also known as BIG 9) • Abuse drugs • Drink alcohol • Smoke cigarettes • Fight • Gamble • Have weapons • Vandalize or steal property • Harass anyone • Engage in exclusive relationships
Code of Ethics Respect yourself and others by: Making positive choices and decisions which contribute to the Conservation Corps community. • Acknowledging each other as individuals. • Abiding by all policies and procedures. • Maintaining open communication to resolve any conflicts that may arise. • Working hard within your abilities. • Maintaining a Safety 1st attitude at all times (while riding in Corps vehicles, working during the day, taking part in after-work activities, and hanging out at your campsite). •
Respect the environment in which you live and work by: • Leaving the site better than when you found it. • Making conscious efforts to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. • Understanding the impact and purpose of projects and the Corps as a whole. • Applying “Leave No Trace” principles.
SUPERVISION POLICY Supervision of youth participants is a top priority in our program. We have a firm policy to ensure you have the opportunity to safely engage in positive activities and carry out your responsibilities as a crew member.
Our philosophy is based on our mission statement, which ensures that every youth participant has the opportunity to engage in service-learning and environmental stewardship opportunities while performing conservation work. We work together as a team to ensure that youth participants gain self-confidence, enhance work skills, and develop healthy behaviors. However, persons who are unsupervised may not have the same potential to get the most out of this experience. Our supervision policy has two leaders in place for each crew of eight youth. Crew Leaders will not be able to constantly supervise all youth at all times. However, Crew Leaders must set out clear expectations for behavior. Furthermore, Crew Leaders and youth are responsible for knowing the whereabouts of crew members at all times. Crew Leaders must know the location of all youth at all times and be able to communicate quickly in the event of an emergency. Youth must know the location of the crew leaders at all times and be able to communicate quickly. The standard measure of this range is shouting distance or within eyesight. If for some reason the youth must be away from the Crew Leaders and are out of communication distance, they must: be with two other youth, tell the crew leader where they are going, and establish a return time. Every person has the right to expect to have a safe and positive experience. By working together as a team to provide adequate supervision, we can help ensure that all youth participants and summer staff have a great summer with Conservation Corps Minnesota.
DEER TICKS AND LYME DISEASE There are deer ticks in some areas where we work throughout the summer. Deer ticks are carriers of Lyme disease. Not all deer ticks carry Lyme disease, which is a bacterial infection spread by the bite of a deer tick. Early symptoms include a bull’s eye rash, fever, and muscle aches. Lyme disease is very treatable if caught early. One of the first activities of the Summer Youth Corps is learning about ticks and preventative techniques.
It is recommended that after you return home from the summer you keep an eye out for any of the symptoms aforementioned. If you suspect symptoms of Lyme disease, do not hesitate to tell your parent/guardian and see a doctor as soon as possible. If you are diagnosed with Lyme disease after the summer is over, please inform the office by calling 612-417-9968.
ASSUMPTION OF RISK Physical and emotional safety is the top priority of the Conservation Corps. This applies to both work and non-work situations. However, risk is inherent in the various program activities. Youth are expected to work to their potential during the workday. Furthermore, youth are expected to fully participate in after work activities that are part of the program. Participating in Conservation Corps activities involves known and unanticipated risks which could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis or permanent disability, death, and property damage. Risks include, but are not limited to, broken bones, torn ligaments or other injuries as a result of falls or contact with other participants; death as a result of drowning or brain damage caused by near drowning in pools or other bodies of water; medical conditions resulting from physical activity; and damaged clothing or other property. Such risks simply cannot be eliminated, despite the use of safety equipment, without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the activity. Please review and sign the release of liability form included in the hiring paperwork. By doing so, you expressly accept and assume all of the risks inherent in the program activities or that might have been caused by the negligence. By signing you acknowledge that your child’s participation in these activities is purely voluntary and they elect to participate despite the risks.
I became more positive and confident. I also learn how to use the tools and made more friends. I have become more open to others and happier. I learn a lot about the environment and how to keep it clean and healthy. Mai Kou V. -Youth Crew Member 2011
CLOTHING LIST NO ELECTRONICS — electronics (cell phone, iPod, CD player, smart watch, etc.) are not allowed and will be handed over to staff for the summer. Avoid this by not bringing these items. Digital cameras and medical devices are permitted. PERSONAL ITEMS — Conservation Corps is not responsible for the damage or loss of any personal item brought by a youth to the Summer Youth Corps. This includes electronics, clothes and money. SPENDING MONEY — we recommend NOT bringing spending money as all food, transportation, and laundry needs will be provided for.
WORK CLOTHES
□ 2 pairs long pants (jeans or other old □ □
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comfortable pants, not sweat pants) 8 pairs socks (bring extra pairs– wool hiking socks recommended) 1 pair work boots (NOT STEEL TOE)—must cover ankle. Hiking boots OK, but NO mesh sides ***Important: Wear these at home at least 7 days to break them in. Rain gear— pants and jacket (no ponchos) 1 Pair sturdy WORK gloves
Work shirts are provided by the Corps.
OTHER CLOTHES □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
7 pairs Underwear 1 warm jacket 1 Swimsuit, swim trunks 1 or 2 sweatshirts or sweaters 1 pair sneakers for after work 1 pair long pants, 1 pair shorts, 2 t-shirts for after work 1 bandana 1 pair pajamas 1 winter hat 1 pair warm gloves 1 belt Sandals for showering and swimming
Quantity of laundry Laundry runs are made once a week. Also, keep in mind that there is no storage at the base camp so only bring what is needed.
PERSONAL ITEMS □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Pillow 1 or 2 one-quart water bottles (youth will receive an additional bottle upon arrival) Towel and washcloth Personal items (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.) Bug lotion/repellent (don’t underestimate the bugs!) Sunscreen and lip balm Baby Wipes Flashlight with extra batteries (head lamps are great!) Prescription medication (enough for 4 weeks) Wrist watch (to help you be on time) Epi-Pen or Inhaler (if needed) Small backpack to carry water bottle and snacks. Tupperware container for lunch/food
OPTIONAL ITEMS □ □ □ □ □ □ □
Brimmed hat & sunglasses Head bug net Books Digital camera Fishing gear Stationary, envelopes, stamps Musical instruments (not electric)
The Summer Youth Corps is rough on clothes. Work clothes get ripped by brush, stained by dirt and sweat, and generally worn out. Clothes worn for other activities can get equally worn out. Please don’t bring any clothes that should not get dirty. Second hand stores are good for buying work and non-work clothes.
MEDICATION POLICIES If you use prescription medication OR over the counter drugs during the summer, you will fill out medication paperwork on arrival day. All medication, both prescription and non-prescription, will be turned into our staff and distributed throughout the summer. All medications need to be brought in the original container or package. It is very important to bring enough medication for the entire program. If you normally take prescription medications or over the counter medications during the school year but will not be taking them during the summer, our staff need to be informed of this change. It is very important to clarify all medical needs prior to the start of the program. The best way to do this is to make sure all paperwork gets turned in on time. It is your responsibility to purchase any prescriptions and/or non-prescription medication prior to the beginning of the program. Any medication expenses that accrue throughout the summer
IMPORTANT INFORMATION •
After being offered a position, YOU MUST complete and sign all forms — personal, tax, and medical — and return them to the Conservation Corps Central Office.
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PLEASE MAIL BACK FRONT & BACK copies of ONE SET of documents & Health Insurance Card along with your paperwork (or email front & back copies to Teresa.Butel@conservationcorps.org) as you will not be able to start the program without us having the proper documentation on file.
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YOU MUST mail or bring photocopies of documents on or by your first day with program.
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You MUST sign your Social Security card before making copies (if it is not already signed).
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It is necessary to present original unexpired documents on your first day for verification by Conservation Corps staff.
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One set of the following documents is necessary. Here are your choices:
Set #1
Set #2
Set #3
Set #4
Set #5
Passport
Driver’s license & Social Security Card (Signed)
School Photo ID (Or recent School Report Card) & Social Security Card (Signed)
Driver’s License & Original U.S. Birth Certificate
School Photo ID (Or recent School Report Card) & Original U.S. Birth Certificate
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You will also need to bring your health insurance card. Conservation Corps staff need to see the original and a copy will be kept for our records.
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Conservation Corps Minnesota is not responsible for any lost, damaged or stolen items. This includes electronic devices, clothes, and money. Bring only what you need and do not bring electronic devices (digital cameras and medical technology are permitted).
“[Our daughter] came home with a greater sense of self. She did things she never knew she could do. We were so proud of her and her accomplishments.” Youth Parent, 2011
Communication
Conservation Corps highly encourages letter writing to parents and friends. Please note that text message, e-mail and social media access is not available during the program. Stamps and envelopes should be brought with you at the beginning of summer. Phone use is limited to 15 minutes per weekend and will be arranged weekly when crews are out on weekend activities.
Packages As there is limited room in the vans, please keep packages to a minimum. Unless the item is needed, please keep packages to no larger than a shoebox. Please do not send packages with food.
Mailing address: Name Of Youth St. Croix State Park St. John’s Landing/Conservation Corps 35130 St. John’s Landing Rd. Hinckley, MN 55037
Visits and Time Off
You are expected to remain in the program for the entire 8 weeks. Weekends are spent with the crew doing recreational activities, resting, and laundry. Parents/guardians may not visit the base camp during the summer (only at the start, middle, and end of the program). In the case of emergencies, arrangements can be made for youth to go home and return to the program when they are ready.
Pay Allowance
You will receive an allowance of $2,000 over the course of the program. Youth will work 37.5 hours of work each week. After completing all check-in procedures upon arrival at camp, you will be enrolled in our payroll. Youth will be paid bi-monthly on the 10th and 25th of each month. Checks may be delayed if you do not bring appropriate identification cards to check-in. IMPORTANT — You will not be paid for work days and hours missed. If you leave the program early you may be held financially responsible for the cost of SYC staff transporting you home & the program materials given to you at the start of the program. Also, your paychecks will be sent home unless the Program Manager is informed to keep them at our St. Paul office for pick up.
TRANSPORTATION SCHEDULE Arrival day (June 15) If you are receiving a ride to the base camp from your parent/guardian you must arrive at St. Johns Landing in St. Croix State Park between 11:30 and 1:00 pm on the start day of the program. Lunch will not be provided on this day. Once you arrive, we will make sure all hiring paperwork has been signed and all documentation has been received. Shuttle: If you are signed up to take the St. Paul Shuttle to St. Johns Landing in St. Croix State Park please arrive at the Conservation Corps Central Office between 11:00am and 12:30pm. Lunch will not be provided. Once you arrive at the headquarters we will make sure all hiring paperwork has been signed and all documentation has been received.
Parents Week (July 12 - 18) All youth will head home for a week starting the morning of Sunday July 14th & returning the afternoon of Saturday July 20th. Youth must be picked up at St. Johns Landing between 10:30 and 11 am on the 14th, and must return between 2 and 2:30pm on the 20th to St. Johns Landing. Shuttle: Parents/guardians not able to pick up & drop off their youth at St. Johns should plan for them to take the St. Paul Shuttle. Plan to pick up your youth at 12:30 pm at Conservation Corps Central Office in St. Paul on July 14th and make sure they are at the Central office on the 20th between 11:15-11:45 to take the shuttle back up to St. Johns Landing in St. Croix State Park. Please let Program Manager know by July 6th if you would like your youth to take the shuttle. - YOU MUST bring all of your medications home for parents week & MUST check your medications in again once you return. Please do not forget to refill any low medications over parents weekend and bring all needed medications for the entire 2nd half of the summer! - Please leave ALL contraband items at home after Parents week! Please do not bring back cash as you will not need it, or any knives as we are expanding our list of prohibited items to include knives of any type.
Last day (August 15) Ceremony: Parents/guardians are invited to join us on the last day for a short ceremony. Parents and guardians should arrive at St. Johns Landing in St. Croix State Park at 10:15 am and can leave with their youth at 11:15 am. Parents/guardians not able to attend the ceremony should plan to pick up their youth at 11:15 am at St. Johns Landing in St. Croix State Park, or at 1:15 pm at the Conservation Corps Central Office in St. Paul. **The following page includes a map and address for St. Johns Landing in St. Croix State Park and the Conservation Corps Central Office in St. Paul.**
I learned a lot about myself and the skills that I have . I've made friends with people I probably wouldn't have known otherwise . I enjoy being outside more . Theo M. -Youth Crew Member 2011
ST. PAUL SHUTTLE
Conservation Corps Central Office: 60 Plato Blvd. E. St. Paul, MN 55107
You and your parents/guardians are responsible for transportation to and from St. John’s Landing in St. Croix State Park or the St. Paul shuttle. If your parents plan to drive you to the base camp, it is required that every vehicle driving to St. John’s Landing purchases a group daily permit ($5 per visit) or an annual state park sticker ($25 one-time fee). The Conservation Corps has a shuttle available to transport youth between the Twin Cities and the base camp and the beginning and end of our programs. For shuttle schedule, refer to “Arrival Day and Transportation Schedule” on the previous page. If you are planning to take the shuttle at the beginning of the program, please contact Teresa Butel at (612) 417-9968 by June 5th.
ST. JOHN’S LANDING, ST. CROIX STATE PARK
St. John’s Landing/Conservation Corps 35130 St. John’s Landing Rd. Hinckley, MN 55037 St. Croix State Park is located 15 miles east of Hinckley,
IMPORTANT DATES Start — Monday, June 15th; End — Saturday, August 15th
612-417-9968
A BRIEF HISTORY Civilian Conservation Corps In the 1930's the country was in a financial depression and the spirit of the people was at an all-time low. It has been estimated that more than two million youth were aimlessly wandering the cities and the country in search of jobs and a future. On March 4, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt became President of the United States. In his first 100 days in office, he initiated several programs to get the country going again. One of the most widely acclaimed and accepted programs at that time was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC recruited young men into a peace-time army to conserve the land, forests and waters, to build parks and to build young people’s dignity and work skills. Life in the Corps appealed to the American frontier spirit. More than three million young men and 8,500 women worked for $1 per day, room and board. Decades later, many said it was the best years of their lives. Civilian Conservation Corps members were true conservationists long before there was an Earth Day. On millions of acres, they worked to slow down erosion and replant depleted forests. They built more than a thousand national, state, county and city parks. They saved our country. Youth Conservation Corps In August 1970, the 91st Congress enacted legislation to create the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) . Patterned after the CCC, the objectives were to accomplish needed conservation work on public lands, provide gainful employment for 15 -18 year-olds from all segments of society, and to develop youth through education and appreciation of the nation's natural environment and heritage.
Minnesota Conservation Corps When federal support for the YCC ended, the Minnesota Legislature created the Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The program carried forward the mission of engaging youth and young adults in natural resource work. MCC remained within the Minnesota DNR until it was eliminated from the state budget in 2003 when the nonprofit Friends of the Minnesota Conservation Corps assumed operation of MCC. Current Youth Programs In 2010, MCC changed it’s name to Conservation Corps Minnesota to better reflect the Corps’ work as it launched a smaller model of its young adult program, Conservation Corps Iowa, in Ames. Conservation Corps Minnesota’s other youth program, Youth Outdoors, is for Saint Paul and Minneapolis teenagers who meet 12 hours per week afterschool and Saturdays for education and service projects. The Conservation Corps also has several AmeriCorps programs for young adults, ages 18 to 25.
CONTACT INFORMATION If you have any questions or need more information please contact:
Teresa Butel Summer Youth Corps Program Manager Teresa.Butel@conservationcorps.org 612.417.9968 (Cell) -or, if you can not reach Teresa and it is an emergencyHollis Emery Program Director 651.209.9900 ext 23 651.373.1344 (Cell) Conservation Corps Minnesota 60 Plato Blvd. E, Suite 210 St. Paul, MN 55107 www.conservationcorps.org “Conservation Corps has helped me realize being you is all you need to be and shouldn't try to be anything less. The work projects help promote the message of taking care of the earth and the feeling that people can come together to make a difference. I’ve made amazing life long friends at CCM and feel safe in the open and inclusive environment CCM provides. “ Tyler R. Youth member 2010, 2011 I
carrying on the tradition and legacy of service learning and youth development
Conservation Corps Minnesota