My summer as a Conservation Corps Crew Lead with the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) was a transformative experience. It was a stark departure from my urban upbringing and a challenging yet incredibly meaningful adventure that pushed me beyond my comfort zone and solidified my passion for empowering young people and protecting our natural resources.
The RMYC’s mission is to engage young people in service projects that benefit public lands while fostering personal growth and environmental stewardship. My role as a Crew Lead placed me at the heart of this mission. I served as co-lead for an all-female crew of 10-12 teenage girls performing service projects, where I was responsible for their well-being, project work, and overall experience during two-week-long “hitches” in the rugged Rocky Mountain environment. We lived, worked, and explored together 24/7, which created a unique and intense learning environment.
My day-to-day experience was a whirlwind of activity. Each day began early between 5-6 AM, often with a safety briefing and a plan for the day’s conservation project. This could involve anything from trail building, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and fence construction. We worked alongside RMYC staff and project partners learning valuable skills and contributing directly to the preservation of these incredible landscapes. Beyond the physical labor, my co-leader and I managed camp operations including meal planning, grocery shopping, vehicle maintenance, and general camp hygiene. We also facilitated team-building activities, engaged with environmental education workshops using the RMYC Seed Education Curriculum, and organized weekend recreational activities. We were mentors and role models, and the essence of our role was supporting the physical and emotional well-being of our crew members, along with fostering a positive and inclusive team dynamic.
This experience had a profound impact on both the community and the individuals involved. Our work directly benefited public lands by improving access, restoring ecosystems, and enhancing recreational opportunities. The impact extended far beyond the tangible projects. By empowering young women to connect with nature, develop new skills, and discover their inner strength, we were fostering the next generation of environmental stewards. Many of my crew members arrived with limited outdoor experience and a lack of confidence. Witnessing their transformation throughout the summer through seeing them embrace challenges, develop a passion for conservation, and realize their potential was truly inspiring.
This experience aligned well with my educational goals. I’m passionate about the intersection of good leadership and environmental education. My summer with RMYC provided invaluable hands-on experience to hone my leadership skills, adapt to unpredictable situations, and gain a deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of working with young people in a wilderness setting.
The experience also reinforced the importance of mentorship and the power of creating supportive environments where individuals can thrive. The challenges were numerous – navigating interpersonal dynamics, adapting to unpredictable weather, and overcoming logistical hurdles in remote locations – but they were met with resourcefulness, resilience, and compassion. I’m so incredibly proud of my crew, my co-lead, and myself.
This summer in the Rockies wasn’t just a job; it was a life-changing experience that shaped my understanding of my own capabilities.
