Youth Programs At Work in the Park

By Cheri Killam-Bomhard, Trails Supervisor
Crater Lake Reflections
Summer 2004

CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARK, OREGON -- Youth workers play an important role in the work force at Crater Lake National Park. Each summer, youth groups can be seen accomplishing tasks around the park. These groups include the Youth Conservation Corp, the Northwest Youth Corps, and other volunteer groups.

The Youth Conservation Corp is a summer employment program administered by Crater Lake National Park. This job opportunity provides a crew of young workers a chance to learn and earn while working at a variety of tasks around the park. Through their experience, the youth develop an appreciation of Crater Lake National Park and job skills for the future. The Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) is a nonprofit job training and youth development agency. The NYC operates four different Youth Corps programs: YouthWorks, OutDoor School, six different YouthCorps programs, and an AmeriCorps program. These programs promote conservation stewardship while helping Northwest youths to develop the skills and confidence they need to face life's challenges.

With the assistance of these groups, Crater Lake National Park was able to accomplish many different tasks in the past years and will accomplish many more this summer. Visitors may see the youth crews working on trails throughout the park as well as around the buildings and along roadsides. We encourage everyone to talk with them and thank them for all their excellent work.