2006
YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
Submitted by Barbara Ross, Coordinator
Two years ago the US Forest Service staff added the word “leadership” to the conference title since this is an integral part of the conference.
Well, the 2006 conference started off with a bang – one bus not being dispatched until 4 hours after it’s scheduled first pickup and the other bus missing a pickup point. Phone calls began flying at 4:15 Friday morning, waking up the bus company owner at about 4:40. It seems the dispatcher had 03:30 for the pickup time, but 12:05 for departure from the depot. The driver of the second bus missed the pickup on his itinerary.
Instead of everyone meeting at Post 521 in Rio Linda for breakfast, 21 students were taken directly to Sly Park where all 62 students finally got together about 11:30 Friday morning. After an orientation for the second group the conference got underway with the “name game” which helps students and leaders learn the names of those in their group. Group assignment is designated by the color of the baseball cap issued to the student, and every effort is made to assure that students from the same school are not in the same group.
The first exercise was the “Name Game” where students and leaders learn the name of the others in their group. Students are assigned to groups identified by the colors of the baseball cap assigned to them. They do many of their interactive assignments in these groups. Every effort is made to have as many different areas of California as possible represented in each group.
For lunch we provided pizza in place of the usual sandwiches. Apples and water, soda or Gatorade were also provided.
Following lunch the students embarked on their first hike of the weekend which took about an hour and included a time for the students to share with everyone what they have been doing in their community to help the environment. Some students belong to ecology clubs, some are avid recyclers, other participate in cleanup days. It’s always amazing to see how active these students have already become.
Next the students role play as President, Supreme Court, Secretary of the Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Supervisor and the people to see how the laws are written regarding the use and maintenance of forest property.
“Values” is the next exercise. 16 signs are placed in an area with words such as “Love”, “A World of Peace”, Social Recognition, etc. Students are asked to stand behind the sign which best expresses their most important value. The numbers behind each sign are counted and the students then move to the value which is least important. They return to their first choice and together they design a crest which incorporates all their ideas on what that value means to them.
Time to get gear to the cabins and ready for dinner. 8 students assist with meal serving or helping to clean up at each meal. Again assignments are made to have students meet each other and work together. Meals are prepared by the professional cooks employed by Sly Park. They are nutritious and well-balanced and there’s always enough for seconds.
After dinner the students participate in 3 activities – watching the first part of a movie about the early days of land conservation in the United States and the diversity of ideas on how best to deal with it – rock wall climbing and the planetarium. Lights out is 10:30, but most of the students have been up all night and are asleep before the designated time.
Saturday wakeup call is at 6:00, breakfast at 7:00, board the buses for Lake Tahoe at 8:00. During 20 minutes of quiet time beside the lake the students are asked to reflect on what they’re thinking. They have an opportunity to share these with everyone, and are also asked to turn them in to be typed and distributed to everyone. Another hike with interpretive information takes the students to the visitors’ center and lunch of cold cuts, salads, PNB & J, water and cookies.
By now each student has been assigned a role to play in the final exercise. Botanist, forester, stakeholder, fire management, etc. After lunch they gather in their groups and discuss various solutions for problems which have been presented to them.
Afterwards another hike to the underground profile stream chamber which holds different type of fish. Because it is a small diversion from the surrounding lakes, the fish are actually in their natural environment.
Back to Sly Park for dinner and the conclusion of the movie that started Friday evening. For those who choose to, stargazing is available. The cloud cover cooperated and the stars were brilliant.
Sunday morning the students are provided more information that will help them with their final exercise and roles. They learn how trees are selected to be cut, how to bore to determine their age, and why the removal of trees and brush are important. After lunch the students travel by bus to a local community to see how areas around their forest-property homes are cleared to try to prevent a fire from destroying their homes. They also travel to a clear-cut area that has been used for controlled burns and discuss the number and type of agencies that participate in these burns.
Sunday evening is one of the highlights. Due to the weather our Talent Show was held in the gym. Before the talent show begins each student comes to the microphone, thanks The American Legion, Forest Service and volunteers, for the program. Some share what they expected as compared to what they had actually learned from the conference. At that time they receive their YEC T-shirt. The talent this year was both varied and “interesting” but was enjoyed by all.
Monday – early rise, pack up and get gear on the buses. Take the final exam which encompasses putting together all the information learned over the weekend. All students participate and once again all the leaders are encouraged by all the students have absorbed. Certificates are presented.
Time for farewells and exchange of hugs, phone numbers, E-mail addresses and a promise for someone to set up a page on “My Space” for all the 2006 attendees. Lifelong friendships have begun.
An E-mail from Frank Mosbacher of the US Forest Service after the conference says:
“I want to thank you for all the work you put into the conference. Through your efforts and the subsequent efforts of Legion Posts throughout the State, you brought together a wonderful group of bright students interested in leadership and the environment. I think we’ll see great things in the near future out of some of these students”.
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