conservationcorps.org

Conservation Corps Minnesota

provides meaningful work for

young people in conserving

our natural resources.

Contact

Cindy Green Development Director 651.209.9900 x16 cindy.green@conservationcorps.org

Sponsor a Youth

Conservation Corps Minnesota Summer Youth Corps

Unplug a teenager

Unplug a teenager Summer Youth Corps - Sponsorship Program

Change the life of a young person with the gift of a four-week experience working and living outdoors — without the daily intrusion of iPods, cell phones and TVs. By sponsoring a youth for Conservation Corps Minnesota’s summer program, you will help a teen…

• work on projects that improve our state parks, water quality and wildlife habitat.

• learn to work with hand tools and develop natural-resource management skills.

• mature as a future environmental and community leader.

• develop personal responsibility and a strong work ethic.

• learn job research and resume-writing skills.

Who can sponsor a youth?

A company, organization or individual.

How much does it cost?

$1,000 to sponsor one youth; $2,000 to sponsor two.

(The actual cost is $2,500 per youth, but the balance is covered by project hosts who contribute funds for resource-restoration services.)

What does the Conservation Corps do?

Built on the tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Conservation Corps leaves a legacy of

conservation and service to future generations. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit provides meaningful work for

young people in conserving our natural resources. The training and skills corpsmembers receive benefit our

communities.

The Conservation Corps not only provides training in natural resource, safety and technical skills, it helps

young people develop personal responsibility, a strong work ethic and greater awareness of environmental

stewardship.

Where is the program based?

The residential program is based at Ojiketa Regional Park in Chisago City, Minn. After a week of training, youth “spike camp” throughout Minnesota and into Wisconsin, North Dakota and Upper Michigan to complete natural-resource projects.

What type of work do the youth do?

They build trails and bridges, uncover historic artifacts, plant trees, restore wildlife habitats, remove invasive species, install rain gardens and do other resource restoration work.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any youth from Minnesota and surrounding states, age 15 to 18. Conservation Corps strives to enroll youth from diverse ethnic, socio-economic and geographic backgrounds with equal numbers of urban and rural youth and equal numbers of male and females. Also, with special grants to pay American Sign Language interpreters, we enroll about 15 to 20 percent deaf and hard-of-hearing youth.

What outcomes can I expect from the youth I sponsor?

Based on past post-survey results, we expect that youth will report:

• 96% are better at working on teams

• 94% are better at communicating with peers and supervisors

• 97% have more understanding of different cultures

• 99% have a stronger work ethic

• 99% have more appreciation for nature and protecting the environment

• 97% are more prepared for their next job

• 93% will volunteer in their community

1. Send-off at Conservation Corps’ Central Office

On the first day of camp, youth gather at our Central Office in Saint Paul before boarding vans or driving with family members to base camp. Sponsors will be recognized at the event with signage.

2. Media releases

With the option to include a photo of the sponsor and youth, media releases will be distributed, at the beginning and the end of the program, to youth and sponsor’s local media with a recap of the youth’s service-work accomplishments.

3. Letter from youth to sponsors

During the program, youth will write a letter to their sponsor (as they do not have cell phones or email) to relay their experience and accomplishments.

4. Program banquet

At the end of the four-week service term, a banquet will be held at Ojiketa Regional Park in Chisago City, Minn. Youth will share and celebrate their experiences and will be honored for their accomplishments. Sponsors will be featured during the program and on signage at the event.

5. Corps Update

Sponsors will be featured in the Conservation Corps e-newsletter distributed monthly to almost 2,000 stakeholders.

6. Web site

Sponsor names and logos will be featured on the Summer Youth Corps page of the conservationcorps.org website with an optional link to the sponsor’s website.

7. Program report

After the program’s end, all sponsors will receive reports on the Summer Youth Corps accomplishments, measured against goals. Sponsors will also have the opportunity to provide comments and suggestions.

8. Annual report

Sponsors will be recognized in the Conservation Corps annual report.

Sponsorship BenefitsHow are sponsors involved and recognized?

Summer Youth Corps crew leaders work with youth in a 1:3 ratio. Staff meet several times a week to assess the

program, youth experiences, skill development, personal growth and outcomes.

Youth development outcomes are evaluated through written, confidential surveys from all youth participants,

their parents/guardians and crew leaders at the beginning and end of the program semester. Measured outcomes

include personal and professional skills, work and career-building skills, civic engagement, commitment to service and

understanding of people with diverse backgrounds.

Project outcomes are documented by project tracking procedures tied to performance measures. “Efforts to

Outcomes” software is used to collect, analyze and report program outcomes. Projects are also measured through

surveys from partner organizations at the end of every project.

Ensuring SuccessHow is the Summer Youth Corps monitored and evaluated?

Contact usfor more information onsponsoring a youth

Cindy Green Development Director 651.209.9900 x16 Cindy.Green@conservationcorps.org

for more information onSummer Youth Corps

Eric Antonson Youth Programs Director651.209.9900 x11Eric.Antonson@conservationcorps.org

Nina Eagin Coordinator, Summer Youth Corps651.209.9900 x27Nina.Eagin@conservationcorps.org

Conservation Corps Minnesota 60 Plato Blvd E Ste 210Saint Paul MN 55107

conservationcorps.org

Administration Office | 60 Plato Blvd E Ste 210, Saint Paul MN 55107 | ph: 651 209 9900 fax: 651 209 9901