SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors Handbook

Table of Contents

1. SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors AmeriCorps ............................................................... 2-3

Our Program, Our Staff

Our Community

Group page on conservation-nation.org

2. AmeriCorps .......................................................................................................................... 3-10

3. Agency Partners …………………………………………………………………………....11-12

4. Supervisor Responsibilities ............................................................................................ ….12-13

5. Risk Management ............................................................................................................... 14-22

Philosophy, Emergency Response Plans (ERP’s)

Risk Assessment and Management (Take 5 for Safety)

Incident Response and Management

Protocol for the Prevention of Tick-borne Illnesses

Material Safety Data Sheet – Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent

Sample ERP

6. Reporting Requirements .................................................................................................... 22-24

Monthly Reports

Pre/Post Tests and Sign-in Sheets

Online Time logs and Output Logs

7. SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors Training & Evaluation .............................................. ….25

Monthly training webinars

Midterm evaluations

Exit Paperwork

Individual Contact Information

SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors AmeriCorps

Sofia Angelo, AmeriCorps Program Manager - sangelo@thesca.org…. . …………….603-504-3311

SCA National Headquarters

Main Office ............................................................................................... ……………603.543.1700

Quick Reference Numbers

Emergency Response Number (1-800-YOSOGGY) ............................. ……………..800-967-6449

Cigna Member Healthcare Insurance Provider ....................................... ……………..800-997-1654

1. SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors (YGO) AmeriCorps

Our Program

Through the Youth in the Great Outdoors (YGO) AmeriCorps program, SCA partners with national, state and local non-

profits to place teams of members at key locations throughout the country. Dedicated to the AmeriCorps focus area of

Environmental Stewardship, 30 AmeriCorps Members will complete vital conservation projects and provide educational

programming within our public lands and communities with the goal of engaging our nation's youth in these activities.

As a result of these activities we will create, restore or improve access to over 200 miles of trail or river; we will restore,

or improve access to over 200 acres of land; we will educate over 1600 individuals; and we will recruit and manage over

9,500 volunteers. The terms are 10 months and will begin October 1st, 2015 - February 15th, 2016.

Being an AmeriCorps member and being part of an SCA is a unique and valuable experience for both the member and the

host site. Throughout the year, members will have opportunities to interact with other SCA and/or AmeriCorps members

in their area and across the country, which will teach them the value of networking and being a part of something bigger

than themselves. All members will receive an orientation provided by SCA and will participate in monthly telephone

conferences where they will be able to report on what they are doing, hear about what other members are doing across the

country, and participate in discussions/trainings for professional development.

Members are considered volunteers who commit to a term of service for their country. The AmeriCorps motto is

“Getting things done” and the SCA YGO program is getting things done all across the country. We encourage you to

learn more about SCA and AmeriCorps so that you will understand the breadth of the Corps experience

(http://www.nationalservice.gov/).

Our Staff

Member Advisor –Your Member Advisor (Sofia Angelo) will support you with general questions regarding your

internship, orientation, enrollment paperwork, time logs, evaluation, and monthly reporting. You will meet with your

Advisor monthly for group check in/training calls.

Program Management – The Program Manager (Sofia Angelo) oversees the Youth in the Great Outdoors AmeriCorps

Program. This includes overseeing program development and implementation; selection and training; risk assessment and

safety; project development; field programming; budget management; logistical coordination; communication and public

relations; evaluations; and ongoing program development.

Please keep staff informed about ideas you may have for trainings and program evaluation. We are an ever-

evolving program and your knowledge and feedback is invaluable.

Our Community

Being part of the Youth in the Great Outdoors AmeriCorps Program is both a privilege and an accomplishment! You are

joining a group of people serving in many different, important areas of conservation. You will belong to a multi-faceted

environmental community, comprised of SCA AmeriCorps Members, Host Site Supervisors, Program Staff and Alumni,

spread across the nation, all the way from East Coast to the West Coast.

Team Training

We’ll provide a schedule of SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors training workshops for your service term. Once a month

you will participate in a team phone call and/or training webinar. Trainings exist to give you insight and experience with

different areas of the environmental field and to provide professional development to support your next steps after your

service term.

We encourage members to pursue additional trainings for to their career interests, and to organize projects and events at

their host sites, such as community outreach events on Earth Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and National Trails Day.

SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors Online Group

To facilitate team wide experience sharing and to keep you informed of ongoing events and news, we have created group

page on SCA’s social networking site specifically for the SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors AmeriCorps team.

Joining the group is easy! Simply go to the site, http://conservation-nation.org/group/youth-in-the-great-outdoors, and click

“Sign Up”. You will be asked to sign up for a SCA Group account. After clicking “Sign Up”, you will receive a

verification e-mail containing a link which you must click to activate your account. Upon signing up, you should be

redirected to the Youth in the Great Outdoors Group page, where you can choose to Join the Group.

Our SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors Group page is most commonly used to distribute messages and e-mails to the

rest of the group.

There are two ways to do this: first, messages can be posted directly on the SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors Group

page’s Discussion Forum and Comment Wall. Second, e-mails can be sent to the group by clicking “Send Message To

Group”. In either case the message is archived on the site and distributed to all group members. The SCA Youth in the

Great Outdoors Group page is a great place to share pictures and project successes, but please keep our public,

nationwide audience in mind and ensure that all messages are service-related.

In addition to posting messages, all group members can also upload files, photos or calendar events to share. Our Program

Staff has already posted a number of items in each category. Please take some time to explore these resources.

2. AmeriCorps

National AmeriCorps

Thank you and congratulations for volunteering the next 10 months of your life to serving your

country through an AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 men and

women in intensive service each year at more than 15,000 locations including nonprofits,

schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. AmeriCorps

consists of three main programs: AmeriCorps State and National, whose members serve with

national and local nonprofit and community groups; AmeriCorps VISTA, through which

members serve full time fighting poverty; and AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), a team-based

residential program for young adults 18-24 who carry out projects in public safety, the environment, youth development,

and disaster relief and preparedness. In exchange for their service, AmeriCorps members earn an education award of up

to $5,730 that can be used to pay for future or existing education costs.

Dedicated to the CNCS focus area of Environmental Stewardship, 30 AmeriCorps Members will complete vital

conservation projects and provide educational programming within our public lands and communities with the goal of

engaging our nation's youth in these activities.

My AmeriCorps Online:

Register with the My.AmeriCorps.gov online payment system (directions under files) where you can submit your

forbearance forms and access your AmeriCorps Award at the end of your term. We encourage you to register and

explore the information on this AmeriCorps site.

1. Register with My AmeriCorps at http://my.americorps.gov

(Please allow 15-17 days from your start date to register. This will ensure all your paperwork has been processed.)

2. From the My AmeriCorps homepage click “Register to create a new Member/Alum account,” which will guide you

through the registration process. Remember your username and password; you will use the My AmeriCorps portal to

access your Education Award after you complete your service.

3. After you have logged in, the screen will display your contact information and service information, including your start

and end dates.

4. Select “Create Forbearance Request” on the left bar. Verify that all of the pre-populated information on your request

form is correct. You may make changes if necessary.

5. If you served more than one term of service, select the dates of service for which you are requesting forbearance. If this

is your first service, your service dates will populate that field automatically.

6. Search for and select your financial institution. (If you do not find your financial institution on the list, click “Contact

My AmeriCorps” or call the National Service Trust at (888) 507-5962 for assistance.)

7. Once you click “Submit”, your forbearance request will be sent to your financial institution for them to process.

AmeriCorps Policies and Guidelines

The Program hereby agrees to provide the member with the following benefits:

a) A Living Allowance, less withholding for federal taxes, distributed biweekly over the term of service. Please note

that the member is responsible for his/her own state taxes. Please consult your tax advisor, if you have specific

questions;

b) Health insurance to members consistently serving 17 weeks or more who are not covered under another insurance

policy, and who complete the required Health Insurance Enrollment From;

c) An AmeriCorps Education Award valued between $1,000 and $5,550 (depending on length of service and

availability of education award slots) from the National Service Trust of the Corporation for National and

Community Service for those members who successfully complete the Program. A person may serve up to 4

terms equaling 2 full time or 1700 hour terms in a lifetime. A release for “cause” from an AmeriCorps

program counts against your two award limit. The member understands that his/her failure to disclose to

the Program any history of having been released for “cause” from another AmeriCorps program will

render the member ineligible to receive the Education award.

d) A travel allowance of $1,100 paid directly to the member at the beginning of your service to get you to and from

your site.

e) If the member has received forbearance on a qualified student loan during the Term of Service, and the member

successfully completes the Term of Service, the National Service Trust may repay the interest that accrued on the

loan during the Term of Service.

f) The member further agrees to act in conformance with, and abide by, all current and future rules and procedures

established by the Program, as well as verbal and written warnings, probation, suspension, and/or dismissal from

the Program. This includes wearing appropriate clothing and conforming to agency standards for personal

appearance.

Prohibited Activities

While charging time to the AmeriCorps program, accumulating service or training hours, or otherwise performing

activities supported by the AmeriCorps program or the Corporation, staff and members may not engage in the following

activities:

(a) While charging time to the AmeriCorps program, accumulating service or training hours, or otherwise performing

activities supported by the AmeriCorps program or the Corporation, staff and members may not engage in the following

activities:

(1) Attempting to influence legislation;

(2) Organizing or engaging in protests, petitions, boycotts, or strikes;

(3) Assisting, promoting, or deterring union organizing;

(4) Impairing existing contracts for services or collective bargaining agreements;

(5) Engaging in partisan political activities, or other activities designed to influence the outcome of an election to any

public office;

(6) Participating in, or endorsing, events or activities that are likely to include advocacy for or against political parties,

political platforms, political candidates, proposed legislation, or elected officials;

(7) Engaging in religious instruction, conducting worship services, providing instruction as part of a program that

includes mandatory religious instruction or worship, constructing or operating facilities devoted to religious instruction or

worship, maintaining facilities primarily or inherently devoted to religious instruction or worship, or engaging in any

form of religious proselytization;

(8) Providing a direct benefit to—

(i) A business organized for profit;

(ii) A labor union;

(iii) A partisan political organization;

(iv) A nonprofit organization that fails to comply with the restrictions contained in section 501(c)(3) of the

Internal Revenue Code of 1986 except that nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent participants from

engaging in advocacy activities undertaken at their own initiative; and

(v) An organization engaged in the religious activities described in paragraph (g) of this section, unless

Corporation assistance is not used to support those religious activities;

(9) Conducting a voter registration drive or using Corporation funds to conduct a voter registration drive;

(10) Providing abortion services or referrals for receipt of such services; and

(11) Such other activities as the Corporation may prohibit.

(b) Individuals may exercise their rights as private citizens and may participate in the activities listed above on their

initiative, on non-AmeriCorps time, and using non-Corporation funds. Individuals should not wear the AmeriCorps logo

while doing so. Included in sample AmeriCorps member contract.

Training

A maximum of 20% of hours may be training, education or similar approved activities.

Term Changes

The service may be extended or shortened by the member and host site, in writing. If the member meets the minimum

number of hours and completes their commitment to the site, this will not have an adverse effect on the ability to receive

an education award. However, if the minimum number of hours OR the commitment to the site is not reached, the

member will not be eligible for any portion of the award. If the member’s service has been suspended/ended due to

compelling personal circumstances (as defined by AmeriCorps) a pro-rated award will be offered.

Conduct

The following are the Program regulations on responsibility and conduct. Your understanding of and compliance

with these regulations are of major importance. Violation of the regulations can be a serious matter and may result in

dismissal from the Program.

As an member you are expected to comply with Federal laws and to observe the regulations of the agencies for which you

serve, the policies of SCA and the Corporation for National and Community Service as outlined below. The regulations

should be read carefully, and you should be guided by these regulations in your official as well as unofficial conduct.

Conduct off the position is of concern to SCA or the Agency for which you serve, if it reflects adversely upon the dignity,

integrity, or prestige of SCA or the Agency for which you serve.

Misconduct

Loud, abusive, or objectionable language and any other unseemly conduct are prohibited on Federal property. members

may not engage in activity which is illegal under local, state or federal law. Members may not engage in activities that

pose a significant safety risk to others. Gambling (including raffles, lotteries, football pools, etc.) and the use of

intoxicants in the buildings, offices, housing, and areas of SCA or the Agency for which you serve are prohibited.

Criminal, infamous, dishonest, immoral, or notoriously disgraceful conduct on the part of an member is cause for removal

from the Program.

Adverse Action Including Removal

An adverse action is any action (oral or written warning, reprimand, suspension, reassignment, or removal from position)

which removes or suspends an member from duty or reduces his/her allowance without their consent. Such actions are

taken for misconduct, insubordination, violation of the law, striking against the Government, or other violations of the

code of conduct. When such an instance occurs, the member is notified in writing of the reasons for the proposed action

and is given an opportunity to reply. The reply is given thorough consideration before the final action is taken. members

can also appeal adverse actions taken against them.

Attendance

You must be awake, alert and actively participating during service, training and education activities. You are responsible

for communicating with your supervisor if you will be late or absent, or if you are ill. Failure to notify your supervisors

will result in an unauthorized absence and may result in disciplinary action being taken.

Subordination to Authority

You are encouraged to express your opinions and points of view on matters before you for consideration. However, after

a policy decision has been made, you are expected to comply with it.

Fundraising

A member’s service activities may not include organized fund raising, including financial campaigns, endowment drives,

solicitation of gifts and bequests, and similar activities designed for the sole purpose of raising capital or obtaining

contributions for the organization.

Selling or Soliciting

Members and other persons are prohibited from selling or soliciting within any building occupied or used by the agency

for which you serve. However, token solicitations for floral remembrances, retirement gifts, and similar purposes are

permitted.

Endorsements

You are prohibited from endorsing in an official capacity the proprietary products or processes of manufacturers, or the

services of commercial firms for advertising, publicity, or sales purposes.

Government Property, Time and Information

Use Government property wisely and for official purposes only. You may be responsible for loss and damage if you are

careless or negligent. Improper use of Government-owned or leased vehicles may result in dismissal. You are prohibited

from using official Government envelopes (with or without postage) or letterhead stationary or other government

equipment for personal business. You may not use official time other than in an honest effort to perform official duties.

You may not allow the improper use of nonpublic information to further your own private interest or that of another.

State or Local Office

Under certain conditions, you may hold a position in a State or local government provided it does not conflict with your

service.

Community and Professional Activities

Participation in professional societies and civic organizations is encouraged if it does not affect your performance or

create a conflict of interest.

Gifts

Do not accept gifts, loans or gratuitous services from persons or firms with which you deal officially for doing or not

doing your service project properly.

Personal Financial Responsibility

You are required to handle your personal obligations in such a way that creditors will not contact your supervisor or

SCA. Any member who fails repeatedly to pay his or her just debts may be subject to disciplinary action.

Financial Interests and Conflict of Interest

You (or your family) may not have a direct or indirect financial interest that conflicts or appears to conflict with your

SCA participation in cases, projects, audits, reviews, studies or other activities which are specific in nature (having a

beginning, middle and end). You may not directly or indirectly engage in financial transactions based upon information

obtained through your service.

Alcoholism and Drug Abuse

The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the

workplace and Program. You agree not to possess or use any illegal drugs during your term of service. You also agree not

to consume alcoholic beverages during the performance of service activities, and further agree not to be under the

influence of alcohol or any illegal drug during the performance of service activities. SCA and the Agency for which you

serve recognize alcoholism and drug abuse as serious and treatable illnesses. Excessive absence, poor work performance

and higher accident rates are just a few of the results caused by the use of alcohol and/or drugs. A member who believes

that their use of alcohol or drugs is a problem should discuss the matter with their supervisor, a counselor or a medical

doctor. An member who does not make an effort to improve poor work performance resulting from the use of alcohol or

drugs may be subject to disciplinary action.

Outside Employment

Outside employment covers all employment and service rendered including self-employment. If you are employed

elsewhere during your term of service, this employment must not adversely affect your internship. Outside work may not

be conducted on Government time nor involve the use of Government funds, facilities or equipment. Any outside

employment on days off shall not reflect adversely upon or discredit the Government or Agency with which you serve.

Criminal Arrest or Conviction

You must notify the Program of any criminal arrest or conviction that occurs during your Term of Service. Failure to

comply with the above requirements may be a basis for the member being given a verbal or written warning, placed on

probation, or being suspended or dismissed from the Program. As a result of such a suspension or dismissal, the member

may jeopardize his/her benefits including the Education Award.

Health Care Coverage Options for AmeriCorps Members

SCA’s current (September, 2014) insurance offered to SCA AmeriCorps members is through Cigna and complies with

the Affordable Care Act.

Like all Americans, AmeriCorps members can now access comprehensive, affordable health insurance coverage through

a variety of means. You can shop for plans in the Health Insurance Marketplaces at HealthCare.gov where you may be

eligible for financial assistance; if you are under 26 you may be able to stay on your parent’s health insurance plan; or

you may be able to obtain coverage through Medicaid, military health benefits, or Medicare. These health insurance

options meet the new consumer protection standards under the Affordable Care Act.

Health Insurance Basics

It can be hard to think clearly when you’re sick or injured. Read through this information now and be prepared to get the

medical help that you need when you need it.

Things to do in Your First 30 Days:

Complete the health insurance enrollment form in your MySCA portal

Receive your insurance documents in an email from SCA

o Print your insurance card and put it in your wallet

Find a local walk-in health center for non-emergency visits

What to do When You Visit a Health Care Provider

Bring your insurance card and show it when you check in

Ask if they will file your insurance claim or if you need to file it directly

If you need to file a claim, send your bills to Cigna using the land or email address below

How do I contact the health insurance company? Cigna Health Plan Hotline: 1-800-244-6224 Web: www.myCigna.com App: myCigna Mobile App Do I need a doctor who is in the insurance plan network? No. You can go to any doctor, urgent care center, or hospital for treatment. However, health providers who are in Cigna’s network will automatically file your insurance claims and may give you special discounts. To find a local health care provider who is in the network: Call: 1-800-244-6224 or Visit: www.myCigna.com What do I do if I still have my insurance card from my last SCA internship? You will still need to print out a new insurance card. Insurance policy information and coverage change frequently, so it

is important to ensure that your card is up to date.

3. Agency Partners

San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department’s Mission is to provide enriching

recreational activities, maintain beautiful parks and preserve the environment for the well-

being of our diverse community.

SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors members placed with San Francisco Recreation and Parks

Department will lead the Youth Stewardship Program (YSP), a free environmental service learning

program. YSP’s full program includes 1 in-class visit and 5 field trips. Each trip consists of

environmental education activities and habitat restoration work.

Congaree National Park (NPS-CONG)

The Southeast Coast Exotic Plant Management Team (SEC-EPMT) is a travelling team based at

Congaree National Park, the largest remaining tract of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest in the

Southeast. The SEC-EPMT serves 15 National Park units across the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama,

ranging from protected seashores and forested wilderness to urban recreational areas and preserved

cultural landscapes, including forts and battlegrounds from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

US Forest Service – Region 8 Units

Each team member will provide much needed capacity to their respective units for the

development and implementation of high quality Partnership, Volunteer, and Service programs.

This work will include developing a volunteer program that is capable of engaging Americans

from all walks of life in the management of their National Forests. The Volunteer and Service

programs the intern will help support may include work on projects like trail maintenance,

operations and deferred maintenance of developed recreation sites, habitat and vegetation

management, and watershed restoration. The members will be responsible for coordinating

participant activities and for helping participants understand the importance of the work they are doing through

educational programs.

Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge

The Conte refuge spans the 7.2 million acres of the Connecticut River Watershed. Due to many

unique qualities of the Refuge, covering such a large geographic area, having a large urban areas

within its boundaries and working with many partners to achieve the goals of the Refuge, having

SCA and AmeriCorps as partners makes a significant impact on the Refuge’s goals. The

AmeriCorps/SCA members will clear new trails on the Fannie Stebbins Refuge as well as maintain

trails on that land. The Fannie Stebbins Refuge is within 15 minutes of downtown Springfield and

with work done by the members, it will become a much greater community asset to the Springfield

area. The SCA members will work with local youth to build a connection to the outdoors through education

programming.

The Desert Restoration Corps (DRC) is a partnership between the

Student Conservation Association (SCA), Bureau of Land Management

(BLM), and California Off-Highway Vehicle Commission (CA-OHV)

which has produced a decade of monitoring, preserving, and repairing

fragile habitat in the Mojave and Colorado Deserts of Southern California.

4. Supervisor Responsibilities

Provide Supervision and Rewarding Service Opportunities

Provide an opportunity for direct and meaningful service for the member. Members should be able to learn about

themselves and the work of your site. The activities of the member should allow for personal growth and learning about

the community.

You, as the Site Supervisor, should provide members with the information, orientation, guidance and support necessary to

contribute to your programs and to experience personal and professional growth. You should provide weekly one-on-one

supervision of the member in order to facilitate the learning and growth described above. An environment should be

established that challenges the member to fulfill the four-part mission of AmeriCorps:

o Getting Things Done – through direct & demonstrable service that helps solve community problems

and that engage youth in environmental education activities and stewardship projects.

o Strengthening Communities/Volunteer Recruitment – SCA members will plan, develop and/or

coordinate service projects to engage volunteers to conserve protect and/or improve natural or

cultural resources. Service activities may involve building and restoring public hiking trails, park

areas, public spaces, recreational facilities, interpretive/educational facilities, assisting in efforts to

mitigate environmental hazards and other related projects.

o Encouraging Responsibility/Leadership – by enabling members to explore and exercise their

responsibilities toward their communities, their families, and themselves. Host Sites will create

opportunities for members to increase decision-making skills, good communication, civic

responsibility and enhance their professional development as conservation leaders.

o Expanding Opportunity/Member Development – by enhancing members’ educational

opportunities, job experience, and life skills.

Monitor Service Hours and Activities

One extremely important role of the Site Supervisor is to monitor the number of hours a member has served and the

content of service at the site, in order to verify member’s eligibility for the education award. The Site Supervisor,

therefore, must electronically approve member timesheets as a record of service hours, on a bi weekly basis. The time

sheets are processed through the MySCA system. Once a member has submitted their time sheet for approval, an e-mail

will be sent to you asking you to log in and approve their time sheet (See attached instructions). Lunch breaks are not

counted towards AmeriCorps hours. No more than 20% of member hours can be used for education and training.

Assist in Completion of Mid-Term and End of Service (Exit) Paperwork

Midway through the term, you will be sent a mid-term evaluation with instructions on how to complete it. Prior to the

end of the term, you and the member(s) will be sent exit paperwork. You will be required to complete the end of term

evaluation and post-position assessment. Your member(s) will need to complete an AmeriCorps Exit Form and post-

program self-assessment. You both need to complete these forms within 7 days from their end date.

Member Position Description

Any changes to original position description previously submitted to SCA must be done at the approval of the site,

member and SCA. A member’s responsibilities should provide meaningful service and the opportunity for personal

growth. Keep this in mind as you develop the positions for your members. Please use this position description as an

important reference in evaluating the performance of your member.

Provide Housing

The partner is expected to either provide housing on site or a housing allowance to the member (off-site housing cost

would be incorporated into the price and SCA would administer). Where housing is not available, the supervisor should

select members that already have housing in the area that will not put undue burden on the member.

5. Risk Management

Philosophy

The Challenge: SCA is deeply cognizant of the tremendous variety of environments and social conditions in which we

work and serve. These range from office settings to mountainous rain forests, from deep remoteness to the inner city.

Although SCA cannot eliminate all hazards that exist in the places we serve, we can guarantee organizational

commitment to learning and practicing safety-conscious work habits that minimize risk to its members and staff. Our

organizational risk management experience shows us that the hazards we encounter can be appropriately managed

through solidly performing safety systems, continuing education, training, and by fostering a culture that focuses on

identifying and managing hazardous situations.

Role of Prevention, Training and Decision-Making: We aim to prevent incidents rather than respond to them. SCA is

dedicated to making it possible for every staff member and volunteer to have sufficient knowledge about the risks and

hazards of environments, activities, and tool use in order to make appropriate decisions about how they work. We

understand that one of the most important aspects of the SCA experience is staff and members learning how to make

informed decisions that affect themselves and their team. Through ongoing training and mentorship, SCA strives to

continually improve the ability of staff and members to identify hazards and make good decisions regarding risk

management and safety.

Our Goal: SCA’s risk management goal is to fulfill our mission in potentially hazardous environments without personal

or organizational loss. We continually support staff and members with resources that allow them to pursue our mission

while meeting our risk management goal. We measure our effectiveness by reporting and actively monitoring incidents,

trends, and near-misses in order to learn from our collective experience, make organizational adjustments and foster

accountability. We cannot eliminate inherent hazards; however, we will continue to design our programs, systems, and

trainings with the objective of avoiding incidents and injuries.

Emergency Response Plans (ERP’S)

The “HV Member Paperwork” page on the Conservation-Nation.org site contains a blank Emergency Response Plan.

Simply download the form to your office computer, complete the required fields and email this to HV program staff. All

Members are required to complete an On-Site ERP and submit it to the Youth in the Great Outdoors Program Office

within 2 weeks of starting their position.

An On-Site ERP should cover your “regular scope of activities” at your host site. If you carry out an activity at your host

site that exceeds this scope, you are required to complete and submit a new On-Site ERP. If you carry out an activity

away from your host site, where there is no other emergency plan in place, you are required to complete and submit an

Off-Site ERP. If you think the school or sponsoring agency’s emergency plan is inadequate, create an Off-Site ERP and

review it with the teacher or site representative before starting the activity. The SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors staff

will complete an ERP for each Corps-wide event.

Here is an example of an ERP:

Emergency Response Plan

Position#:

Program: SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors

Site Information

Dates of ERP:

Manager:

Field Leader:

Project Location: (Address, Trailhead, Site Elevation, Forest/Wilderness/Agency District)

Member Names:

Vehicle Information SCA Vehicle (Yes,No) Make Model Year Color License Plate State/Number

Crew Emergency Equipment

Location of First Aid Kit:

Location of Member/Staff Med Forms/Emergency Contact Info:

Radio Communication: Yes/No:

Radio Call Number/Call Sign:

Spot Messenger Yes/No:

Does 911 work in the project area? Yes/No:

Do cell phones work in the project area? Yes/No: Important: If cell phones do not work at your location, please explain your detailed alternative response/evacuation plan. (example, backcountry wilderness, no cell access)

In Case of an Emergency 1. Ensure the area is safe to enter. 2. Stabilize patient and administer first aid. 3. Call 911 or contact dispatch on radio. 4. Continue to care for patient until medical help arrives.

5. Contact Your SCA Supervisor or Program Director. If unavailable, leave brief message and call back number. Speak slowly. 6. If Conservation Corps Program Staff are unavailable call the SCA 24-hour contact number

1-800-967-6449. 7. If possible, someone should go with the patient to the hospital.

Emergency Contact Information Crew Information

Cell Phone(s)

Residence Phone

Office Phone

Satellite Phone

Other Agency Information

Agency: Contact Name Title Office Phone Cell Phone

Dispatch (if applicable): Name Office Phone Cell Phone

Emergency Services Information Police Dept (State, County, City, Other) Phone Hospital/Ambulance Service Name Phone

SCA Information Name Title Office Phone Cell Phone Home Phone

Regional Director Manager Directions and Map(s) to Project Location/Route Designation Please include the address, directions, and a map to project location from residence, office, or current project location. Follow the directions below on how to create, copy, and paste driving directions/map from Google Maps into this document.

Driving (Insert Map & Driving Directions Here)

Total miles to drive from current location to project site

Drive time from current location to project site

Total estimated time from current location to project site Hiking

Estimated hiking distance from trailhead:

Trailhead Name:

Trailhead elevation:

Estimated hiking time (1-3 miles per hr depending on terrain)

Estimated Elevation Change (+/-)(Trailhead Parking Lot to Project Site)

Additional Info:

Hiking Directions: (cardinal directions, trail names & junctions, notable geographic

features)

Total Estimated Time from current location to Project Site:

Directions and Map(s) to Hospital

Please provide detailed directions and a map to the nearest hospital from the project site, residence, or other location. Please backtrack from project site to trailhead parking lot to hospital.

Hiking

Estimated hiking distance to trailhead

Estimated hiking time to trailhead (1-3 miles per hr depending on terrain)

Estimated elevation change (+/-) (From Project Site to Trailhead )

Additional Info:

Hiking Directions: (cardinal directions, trail names & junctions, notable geographic

features) Driving (Insert Map and Driving Directions Here)

Total miles to drive from trailhead to hospital:

Drive time from trailhead to hospital:

Total estimated time from project site to hospital: (hiking and driving)

*Important: Please review your route thoroughly for accuracy prior to submitting ERP to

your supervisor.

_____________________________________________________________________

Take 5 for Safety

Everyone at SCA has the ability and responsibility to be aware of and prevent illness and injury in the workplace. Risk

assessment is an essential aspect of protecting yourself and your coworkers from harm. All of us should complete a

thorough risk assessment before proceeding in certain situations. Whenever you enter a potentially hazardous situation,

experience a significant change in the work environment, or otherwise sense potential harm, begin by assessing the risks.

Take these five steps:

1) Stop

Deliberately acknowledge that a task or activity is about to begin that requires a safety assessment.

2) Think and observe

Think through the task or activity.

3) Identify Hazards

Identify environmental and human factors that may contribute to an accident (i.e., potentially unsafe conditions,

potentially unsafe acts, potential errors in judgment).

Environmental Hazards may include:

o Water safety issues where applicable (e.g., canoeing, swimming, etc.)

o Flora/Fauna (e.g., poison ivy/oak, bear, snakes,)

o Conditions on site/setting (e.g., muddy, slick, falling objects, unstable)

o Weather concerns (e.g., lightning, rain, excessive heat or cold, etc.)

o Tools and equipment – proper use, carrying and storage

o Vehicles of any kind

o Sanitation concerns

Human Hazards may include:

o Importance of clear communication (physical limitations and/or general concerns with the instructors).

o Pay attention to your bodies! (e.g., keep yourself hydrated, fueled up, warm, dry, stretching, distance, proper

lifting/body use)

o Clothing and hair concerns. (e.g., loose clothing, jewelry, long hair)

o Other people outside of our group and how they may interact

o Training

o Supervision

o Group dynamics and individual attitude

4) Plan and conduct a Safety Briefing

Do you have adequate precautions in place to successfully manage the hazards? What is the emergency response plan and

where the document is located? Where is the immediate communication device for implementing the plan (pay phone,

radio, cellular phone, etc) located? Where is each first aid kit located? What personal protective equipment must be

worn? What training needs to take place before you proceed? What is everybody’s role? How will this activity be

supervised?

Safety Briefing Outline This outline is intended to serve as a guideline for leaders to follow when delivering a risk management briefing

(“safety talk”) to their members.

The risk management briefing shall:

Be immediately done before each activity

Include Group participation if possible

Assess Environmental and Human hazards and where they intersect

Define procedures and introduce rules

Although it is the responsibility of each leader to decide what specific statements are appropriate for their group,

location, and current environmental conditions, the following subjects must be included in every risk management

briefing.

Opening Statement/ Nature of the Activity

Today we will be working on the _____________ project. To complete this project we will be completing the

following activities ___________ (e.g., brushing, using cutters, digging, crushing stone, planting trees). These

activities are inherently risky and can be hazardous if not managed appropriately. You are ultimately responsible for

your own wellbeing and the wellbeing of the other members of the group. It is important that you only undertake

activities that you are comfortable performing. Keeping this in mind, what are some of the “risky” things we should

look out for today?

List Environmental and Human Hazards

First Aid Kits and Emergency Plan

Where is each first aid kit located?

What is the emergency response plan and where the document is located

Where immediate communication device for implementing the plan (pay phone, radio, cellular phone, etc) is located?

Conclusion: Thanks again in advance for all of your hard work. As we work together today, lets all try to keep safety

in the front of our minds – have a fun and “safe” day.

5) Manage, Supervise and Adjust

Continually monitor activities and participants. If necessary, gather folks together and Take-5 again.

Incident Response and Management

General Action Plan

In the event of a true emergency, follow these general steps:

1) Deal with all immediate threats to life; facilitate First Aid and/or evacuation if necessary.

2) Dial 911 (or whatever local number is in place for emergency services at the site).

3) Get to the nearest hospital or medical facility.

4) Contact the Youth in the Great Outdoors SCA program staff. Use a phone that accepts incoming calls so we can call

you back.

5) If you cannot reach Youth in the Great Outdoors Program Staff, call the SCA’s Emergency Response System,

1.800.967.6449, valid 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After you call the number, remain by the phone; someone from

SCA on pager duty will call you back to help you out.

6) Submit all paperwork from the hospital or medical facility to the Youth in the Great Outdoors Program Office ASAP.

Incident Reports If you or another SCA Member sustains a minor injury (e.g. a cut finger; poison ivy; embedded tick) that does not require

professional medical attention, it is still necessary to contact your program manager or a coordinator within 24 hours to

fill out an Incident Report. This is very important: should the minor injury become serious (e.g. infected), the Incident

Report provides the documentation necessary to qualify the injury for coverage under Worker’s Compensation Insurance.

Protocol for the Prevention of Tick-Borne Illness

Because SCA has experienced increased incidence of embedded ticks and Lyme disease, when working in areas with

known high populations of ticks and based on a job hazard assessment, the following protocol for the prevention of tick

borne illnesses has been developed.

1. Cease or do not engage in service in areas with an unmanageably high exposure to ticks and Lyme disease.

2. Wear and use protective clothing/equipment

Long sleeve shirts

Long pants

Hats (for work not requiring hard hats)

Gaiters

3. Use a chemical barrier

Treat clothing/equipment (clothing, hats, gaiters, boots) with permethrin to repel and disable ticks.

4. Perform a daily visual inspection

Inspect body thoroughly for ticks, paying special attention to the waistband of clothing, back of neck,

armpits and groin. It may be helpful to have someone assist in this inspection.

5. Remove ticks as soon as they are seen.

6. Carefully monitor for yourself and others for signs and symptoms of tick

borne illnesses.

7. Seek medical attention after signs and symptoms of a tick borne illness appear.

Protocol for Treatment of Clothing with Permethrin

The SCA, similar to the EPA, has determined that the benefits of permethrin outweigh the risks. Permethrin is an

extremely effective insecticide relative to ticks, does not have significant implications for human health, and, when used

correctly, poses little environmental risk.

SCA participants should treat boots, gaiters, pants, hats (for sites on which hard hats are not required) and shirts with

permethrin spray every two weeks, or as directed by the manufacturer.

General Guidelines

Treat clothing with permethrin in a windless but well-ventilated area, away from water sources and insect

populations (particularly bees) to reduce the effects of permethrin on aquatic life and insects

Wear latex or vinyl gloves (all applications) and a facemask or bandana over nose and mouth (aerosol

application)

Wait until clothing is completely dry before wearing

Retreat clothing after several washes or after a couple of weeks, according to the manufacturer’s suggestions.

Background

In many areas in the United States, tick-borne illnesses (such as Lyme disease) are on the rise. In the years between 1992

and 2006, the annual count of incidences of Lyme disease increased 101%.i Even though Lyme disease has been reported

in 49 of 50 states in the U.S., about 99% of all reported cases are confined to five geographic areas (New England, Mid-

Atlantic, East-North Central, South Atlantic, and West North-Central).ii

Permethrin Information

The CDC recommends that anyone, including pregnant women and children, traveling in areas where disease-carrying

insects are present, use permethrin-containing repellents on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear to help prevent

diseases transmitted by insects. Permethrin is highly effective both as an insecticide and as a repellent for ticks,

mosquitoes, and other arthropods. iii

Permethrin has been shown to be a safe preventative measure. The CDC states that there appears to be little potential for

toxicity from permethrin-treated clothing.iv Permethrin “has low mammalian toxicity, is poorly absorbed through the skin

and is rapidly inactivated by the body.”v vi Exposure to permethrin from wearing permethrin treated garments at the

recommended concentrations is unlikely to cause skin sensitization or other skin effects on humans.vii

Permethrin is used widely in the United States as the active ingredient in shampoos and lotions.viii

Permethrin is also

commonly found in pet flea shampoos, lice shampoos, and on agricultural crops, particularly fruits and vegetables.ix

In registering permethrin as an approved insecticide, the EPA “considered post-application exposure to… permethrin

treated clothing. All scenarios were below the Agency’s non-cancer and cancer LOCs [level of concern].”x The EPA

also stated that all postapplication cancer risk estimates for both populations [military personnel and garment workers

exposed to permethrin-impregnated clothing] were in the 10-6

range and do not exceed the EPA’s level of concern.xi

Permethrin used as an insecticide to protect agricultural interests is highly toxic to both freshwater and estuarine aquatic

organisms.xii

Permethrin is also highly toxic to honeybees, as well as other beneficial insects.xiii

The EPA regulates the

use of permethrin when used in emulsifiable concentrates and ready-to-use formulations because of the possible adverse

effects on aquatic organisms.xiv

In its registration of permethrin as an approved chemical for insect control, the EPA conducted a risk/benefit analysis of

use of permethrin and concluded that “given the significance of the use of permethrin and the mitigated nature of the risks

of permethrin, the Agency believes, on balance, that the benefits of permethrin outweigh the risks.”xv

Permethrin Risks

Permethrin is a Type I pyrethroid, with the primary target being the nervous system. The neurotoxic effects are

consistently characterized by tremors, hyperactivity, and altered functional observation battery observations at high

doses. Permethrin is absorbed by all routes; however, it has a low acute toxicity via the oral, dermal, or inhalation route

of exposure, and is not an eye or skin irritant and not a skin sensitizer. Following oral administration, permethrin is

rapidly absorbed, metabolized, and excreted via urine and feces. xvi

Permethrin is classified by the EPA as “likely to be

carcinogenic to humans” by the oral route.xvii

Tick Facts

Deer Tick

Carrier of Lyme disesase

Identifying feature – circular dark spot above long mouthparts

(clockwise from top large tick: female,

male, larval, nymph)xviii

Dog Tick

Attachment to people is uncommon

Identifying feature – dark spot above short mouthparts

(Dog Tick engorgement sequence)

xix

Fiction: Lyme disease always starts with a “bulls eye” wound.

Fact: A circular, outwardly expanding rash can occur at the site of the tick bite 3 to 32 days after being bitten. However,

a true bulls eye appears in less than 9% of cases.xx

Fact: the best way to remove a tick is to use sharp tweezers.

There are a lot of myths about methods of removing ticks, including using matches,

petroleum jelly, nail polish, etc. The safest way to remove a tick is to use sharp

tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull away from the skin in a

steady motion. Clean the wound with soap and water.xxi

Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease

According to the National Institute of Health, in the first stage of Lyme disease (days to weeks after infection), called the

early Lyme disease, symptoms can include fatigue, chills and fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph

nodes and erythema migrans (rash).xxii

xxiii

Risk of Lyme’s

Disease

Bull’s Eye Rash – May or

may not occur. Can appear

between one day to

multiple weeks after bite.

Usually 7-10 days. Do not

wait to develop rash. See

physician immediately

following bite to receive

treatment.

In the second stage of Lyme disease (weeks to months after infection), called early disseminated Lyme disease, symptoms

can include numbness and pain in arms or legs, paralysis of facial muscles, meningitis, and abnormal heart beat.xxiv

xxv

xxvi

In the third stage of Lyme disease (weeks, months or years after infection), called late or chronic Lyme disease,

symptoms can include chronic Lyme arthritis (60% of untreated patientsxxvii

), nervous system problems including memory

loss and difficulty concentrating (up to 5% of untreated patientsxxviii

), chronic pain in muscles and unrestful sleep, heart

problems and liver disease.xxix

xxx

4. SCA Youth in the

Great Outdoors

Reporting

Requirements

Together we track and evaluate our service impacts so that SCA can demonstrate success and continue gaining funding to

field these experiences for others in the future.

Our data collection is structured to be simple for you while tracking impact and progress with your supervisor and SCA.

This also provides outcomes for your resume as you prepare for your next career steps.

Performance Measures

All AmeriCorps programs have three general objectives: Getting Things Done, Strengthening Communities, and

Developing Members. Each program reports on different performance measures depending on the nature of the work that

they do. Our performance measures focus on:

Environmental Education: Number youth & volunteers demonstrating education. Any time you teach a

person or group of people something about the environment. This includes classroom education, on-site groups

or hikes, fairs, festivals, talks/workshops with civic groups etc.

Environmental Stewardship: Acres and Miles improved. Any service that you do that is working toward

enhancing the natural and recreational resources at your site. This includes general trail maintenance, invasive

species removal, GIS/GPS mapping, grounds maintenance etc.

Volunteer Recruitment/Management: Number volunteer hours recruited for service. Any time you devote to

recruiting, organizing and leading volunteers. This could include phone calls to prospective volunteers,

developing recruitment materials as well as leading any actual volunteer projects or events.

Member Development: Your professional development through the program. This includes attendance at

trainings and workshops, either through SCA, your host site or an outside training. The hours you report should

correspond to the training hours that you report on your timesheet.

The following Reporting Tools enable Corps Members to demonstrate the impact they are having at their host sites.

Monthly Reports

Due to Sofia via email at sangelo@thesca.org by the 7th of each month.

1. YGO Monthly Report spreadsheet, saved with your name at the end of the title.

If you’re reporting for your whole team for that month, save it with your team’s site.

Just follow step by step through our reporting needs.

o Ask Sofia if you’re confused.

o Some info is pulled from the Field Logs.

o Some reporting items you’ll attach to your monthly reporting email in addition to the

spreadsheet, such as pictures.

2. Education and Volunteer Field Logs.

We’re required to keep those signatures for our program records.

As you host volunteer teams or education teams, you get a signature from the group

leader/representative.

Optional blog post: http://conservation-nation.org/group/youth-in-the-great-outdoors

o Each team/site submits a paragraph and a picture to the blog from a project that month.

Pre/Post Education Surveys/Tests

Required by our funding are participant education surveys to empirically demonstrate that our education work is making

a change. Pre/post surveys are short and you administer them to any group you are leading, classroom or volunteer.

The same survey is given to the group at the beginning of each education/volunteer event and once at the end. You will

record the results of all pre/post-tests in your monthly report, i.e. the number collected and the number of people

demonstrating increased knowledge.

You’ll create a pre/post education survey that is applicable to the education or volunteer work that you are leading that

day. A good practice is to create a few broad surveys that can be used by your team so that you’re picking from a menu

when you host an event, rather than having to write individual surveys that are very specific to each event.

An example of a good pre/post-test is:

Please name an invasive plant that is found in this region.

Why are native plants important?

Please name a native plant for this region.

Pre/post-tests must be returned hand-written by your audience. They cannot be auditory or collected by a show of hands.

We expect you to submit 1 example of each pre/post-test used every month with your monthly reports so that we can see

what questions you’re asking and improve them if necessary for our funding. For example, if you teach 3 classes in

January, you will submit 3 separate pre/post-test examples with your January monthly report to show us what you asked.

MySCA Activity Time Logs: Activity = Hours

Member Activity Time Logs are official documents that will be audited by the Corporation for National Service. Time

Logs must be submitted on time with a record of accurate hours, otherwise you risk compromising your AmeriCorps

Education Award, up to and including forfeiture. SCA has developed an online Service Log system which will allow you

to enter your hours worked on a weekly basis, and to submit them for supervisor approval. Lunch breaks are not included

in your hours unless you attend a meeting or training in conjunction with lunch.

There are three categories of hours: service, training, and fundraising.

Service accounts for the ‘work’ hours on duty, at your site.

Training includes anytime you are receiving:

o Formal training, like an orientation

o Informal training, such as on the job training

Fundraising should only be used if you spent time raising funds for a specific project required for your

internship.

o Please notify SCA staff before engaging in any fundraising because this is an item that is closely watched

and audited by AmeriCorps.

The following are instructions on how to use the Activity Time Log system:

You should be able to find your time logs through the “Manage My Service Tasks” tab in your MySCA. Within this tab,

you should see the position that you are currently serving in. Click on the Position ID number and that should take you to

your Activity Time logs and Output Logs page.

To create a new Activity Log, select the “New Activity Time Log” button. You will be able to input the information and

then when you submit them, your supervisor will receive an email saying that they have been submitted. He or she will

be able to open a link in the email and approve them right there. You will not need to print your time logs.

Before submitting your logs, please make sure that your direct supervisor is the person listed as the position

supervisor. If not, before you submit your logs, please contact your HV Program Coordinator with the name of the

correct person who should be listed.

MySCA Output Logs: Output = Project Accomplishments

Member Output Logs are another required reporting tool that helps us keep track of the amount of work that you have

accomplished. Output Logs are used by SCA to calculate our accomplishments nationwide.

We expect you to update Output Logs every week with your Activity Time Logs. To create an Output Log, sign onto your

MySCA account and click the “Manage My Service Tasks” tab. Within this tab, you should see the position that you are

currently serving in. Click on the Position ID number and that should take you to your Activity Time Logs and Output

Logs page. Scroll down and select the “New Output Time Log” button. You will be able to input your information on this

page. You are not required to report on every activity/program you participate in. Choose 2-3 activities/programs to

report on each day. Here is what you will report on:

- Total Hours Spent: Total Hours spent on the activity you are reporting

- # of SCA Members: # of SCA Members and SCA leaders participating

- Category of Work You Did: Choose the Category/Sub Category that best fits the activity/program you are

reporting on

- How Much You Did: The Category/Sub Category will tell you what number to report

- Description: Include any project details that you feel are relevant

When you submit Output Logs, your supervisor will receive an email saying that they have been submitted. He or she

will be able to open a link in the email and approve them right there. You will not need to print your Output Logs.

6. SCA Youth in the Great Outdoors Team Training and Evaluation

SCA’s YGO team will participate in monthly training webinars and in required AmeriCorps evaluations.

Monthly Phone Check-Ins

Each month a phone check-in allows members to share their service experience and common questions so that the team

can support each other’s YGO work and share resources and lessons learned. After check-ins, a webinar training will be

provided by SCA staff and YGO partner site supervisors. Trainings may include topics such as Volunteer Recruitment

and Engagement, Eight Behaviors of Smarter Teams, Strengths Finder 2.0, Grant Writing, Resume Writing and Interview

Skills, Goal Setting, Mapping Community Assets etc.

Midterm AmeriCorps Evaluations

Half way through your internship you and your Site Supervisor will receive Mid-Term Evaluations electronically from

SCA’s national office. You will complete and submit the evaluations, and then meet and share these with each other.

These evaluations allow your supervisor to let you know how they think you are performing and allow you to do likewise

and to give feedback that might improve your experience. SCA staff will join these evaluations as requested in order

to contribute feedback, resources, and recommendations for improving the experience and/or performance.

AmeriCorps Exit Evaluation and Paperwork

At the end of your term you need to turn in your final Time Log and monthly report, your Exit Evaluation and your

AmeriCorps Exit form. The AmeriCorps Exit form allows us to exit you from the AmeriCorps Portal and starts the

process to generate your AmeriCorps Education award. Your Site Supervisor needs to submit their Exit Evaluation they

received electronically. These evaluations are not shared between you and your supervisor, and are designed to

allow you to provide honest feedback about your experience with your host site and with SCA. We compile the

data from these and provide host sites with aggregated, unidentified member feedback.

All of these forms need to be received by SCA within 7 days of your last day of service in order for you to be eligible

for your AmeriCorps Education Award. SCA will email you a complete exit packet about a month before your

anticipated exit date. Remember, your last day worked must be on your scheduled end date; you must work at least an

hour on this day and cannot work beyond this date unless you have prior approval from SCA staff and your host site.