Crew In WoRD Corps Member Look At Newt Newt

Quotes

"I got to see, feel, and do what I was learning. It made us feel as if we were one step closer to doing what we want to do with the rest of our lives. I realized we want to do something we're going to love and have fun doing and it makes you respect and appreciate things you see that were made by a blacksmith."
Justin, 2007 School Crew Member

"It was thirteen years ago that I first heard about the VYCC. I was intrigued and drawn to the program and I thought you might like to know I still consider my time with the Corps to have been one of the most impactful experiences of my life."
Emily, Past Crew Member

"I learned that by living in the woods with eight random people, you can make some of the best friends you will ever have."
Liz, 2007 Roving Crew Member

“My VYCC experience was so powerful that I live everyday in a shadow of the summer. I swear. The beginning of school was so tough because I was not outside and being active eight hours of my day. It is such a great program. I have been inspired for my future and the type of work I'd be happiest doing."
Meredith, 2007 Community Crew Member

"The Corps experience is where I found the greatest peace and freedom I have felt, even though there were challenges I had to face that I usually avoid."
Jamie, 2006 Wilderness Crew Member

"This summer I learned about teamwork and taking initiative, and I lifted more heavy objects than I thought I could."
Joanna, 2006 Community Crew Member

"I learned that it is important to respect everyone and their opinions and to put all of yourself into things you are passionate about."
Maija, 2006 Roving Crew Member

"The most important thing I learned was that you can be from totally different places than someone else but that doesn't mean you can't get along and have things in common."
Rhonda, 2006 Roving Crew Member

“VYCC is hands-down the best summer experience I’ve ever had.”
Bryan, 2006 Roving Crew Member

“I learned about my personal potential to achieve in areas where I would never think it possible. The VYCC is a challenge but an extremely rewarding experience.”
Lee Ann, 2006 Roving Crew Member

“The VYCC is the greatest summer job ever!”
Krysta, 2005 Corps Member, Emerald Lake State Park

“The VYCC develops the very skills valued by employers, namely personal responsibility, leadership, judgment, and initiative. Job development and youth training are truly an investment in the overall economic future of our state. While tech schools and local colleges can provide technical skills, I am unaware of any other program in Vermont that provides similar high-quality leadership, job training, and workforce development as provided by the VYCC.”
Jim Feinson, President, Gardener's Supply

“One of the many reasons that I support VYCC is that it provides an invaluable opportunity for young people to learn first-hand the importance of protecting our natural resources. Time spent on a VYCC crew gives Corps Members the confidence, skills, and values to be responsible, not only for themselves, but also for their surroundings.”
Caroline Wadhams Bennett, VYCC Board of Directors

“I strongly support this (AmeriCorps program) because it helps students help themselves and their community. Community service is the backbone of any democratic society, where those who have much have a responsibility to help those who have little.”
Senator James Jeffords

“The VYCC is a really great organization that is dedicated to making Vermont a better place.  Not only do the Corps Members learn leadership skills, and hard work, they also learn to work as a team.  It is truly amazing how people from such different backgrounds can come together and create something wonderful for a community.  They are doing such a great job and I think Vergennes has really benefited from their being here.”
Alexandra Larrow, The Valley Voice

“On the last work day we completed and installed kiosks for interpretive panels in Groton State Forest. I handed my group all the necessary hardware, gave a brief explanation, and stepped back. For about an hour they worked in complete unison, the four of them worked as a single unit. They shared the tools, they understood the task at hand, and they supported each other. To see the community dynamic that we had stressed all summer translate onto the worksite was incredible. It was really the culminating moment for me; it felt like everything I had been trying to teach them was finally coming out and the results were right in front of me. I felt like I had a hand in them being able to complete the project and therefore in providing thousands of forest visitors a new resource in such a beautiful natural area. It was an amazing afternoon.”
Andrew, 2005 Roving Crew Leader

“I learned that everything you do affects everyone around you.”
Sam, 2005 VYCC Wilderness Crew Member

“My experience at the VYCC has been an amazing one. I've found self-discipline to push myself and work hard, which is not something I'm used to. I push myself hard now and work for the satisfaction of completion. Through the VYCC I have found a new outlook on myself and the program has effected the decisions I make as well. I am going to live a more active and much cleaner life now. My goals were above and beyond accomplished.”
Rod, 2005 VYCC Roving Crew Member

When asked if he was receiving credit for his experience at VYCC, a Crew Member answered, “Yes, the school of life, the college of growth, and the institute of life-long learning, challenge, and experience.”
Matthew, 2005 VYCC Wilderness Crew Member


"I learned a lot about myself - things I am capable of that I hadn't realized. I learned how to set goals for myself and I learned to lead by example."
Alex, 2005 VYCC Wilderness Crew Member

"My work with the VYCC is significant. I didn't just clear, or maintain, or mark the Appalachian Trail - I built the Appalachian Trail. And when I am hiking with my children and grandchildren I will be able to say, 'I built this."
Sam, 2005 VYCC Wilderness Crew Member

"I cannot say enough about VYCC. It has taught me many important life skills which I will need for the rest of my life. Thank you!"
Ben, 2004 Community Crew Member

"I have really enjoyed working for the VYCC. Not only does it provide teens with a good job, it also teaches us how to work well with people we don't know. Doing something for my little corner of the world really made me feel good."
Nathan, 2004 Community Crew Member

"As a resident of one of Vermont's urban areas, Colchester, I don't often have the opportunity to go into the woods. VYCC provided me an opportunity to experience the great wonders of Vermont, and I hope that future generations will be able to have the same eye-opening experience I've had. Thank you!"
Evan, 2004 Roving Crew Member

"This was an amazing experience and our crew accomplished a great deal. We made 15 timber staircases, two retaining walls, 12 puncheon bridges, and we blazed a mile and a half of trail. We learned new skills and great teamwork. Thank you!"
Elizabeth, 2004 Roving Crew Member

"This experience has been more amazing than I imagined. I learned how to be an integral part of a diverse community, while completing amazing conservation work."
Margaret, 2004 Roving Crew Member

"I think this is a great way to contribute to our small community and ultimately to the state of Vermont."
Chelsea, 2004 Roving Crew Member

"This is a very hard experience, but when you are done you will never be the same again. You will look at life and yourself through a different set of eyes!"
Peggy, 2004 Roving Crew Member

"I am amazed at the work that our crew accomplished with only hand tools. This was a rewarding experience and increased my ambition!"
Alan, 2004 Wilderness Crew Member

"The VYCC has helped me learn more about myself and has given me the opportunity to form a close relationship with a group of people I would have never met. It was difficult work, but very satisfying. Thanks for the opportunity!"
Erin, 2004 Roving Crew Member

"I am very grateful for this opportunity. Wonderful things are happening because of your help. I have been challenged in how I take care of the environment and how I can offer my skills in a diverse society. Thank you!"
Bethany, 2004 Roving Crew Member

"The VYCC has taught me a lot about myself because this job has challenged my patience, my body, and my mind. I have learned to be strong and kind and loving and most of all a hard worker. I cannot say enough for this job and I would like to thank all HQ staff for making this job an awesome experience. I only hope that you can continue making this experience a reality for generations to come. Thanks!"
Ben, 2004 Montpelier Community Crew Member

"I have only received one letter from my son but it was full of news about how much he is enjoying the program! He found the program on his own and it has been a phenomenal experience for my son. I have been telling everyone I know about how great the VYCC is!"
Mom, 2004 Alumni

"Having had a few moments to reflect here at my desk, I am struck with sheer joy and gratitude to be working with a team of people whose passion for the ideals and goals of VYCC is so high! I consider it a true blessing to be a part of this team and to be striving for excellence in education and conservation!"
Heather, 2004 VYCC A*VISTA Member

"The VYCC is the toughest job you will ever love. This job is a commitment to a team, an organization, and most importantly to yourself."
Scott, 2003 Assistant Park Manager

"I learned how to listen better and respect others. I learned that I am more capable of things than I ever thought possible."
Angela, 2003 Elmore State Park Crew Member

"I now appreciate the outdoors and how little you need. I feel like I uncovered some huge secret, discovered some secret way of life... anyone can become strong, useful, and accomplish something huge."
Honor, 2003 Roving Crew Member

"VYCC Rocks! Best experience ever…"
Jack, 2003 Roving Crew Member

"An experience with the VYCC is like climbing a seaside cliff, the boat you rode in on was nice but there is more adventure to be had. The cliffs are tall, and the climb is tough, but once you are at the top the breeze is much sweeter. The world looks more expansive than in your dreams, and you are much closer to the clouds and stars."
Adam, 2003 Roving Crew Leader

"My experience with VYCC has taught me that I can accomplish much more than I ever thought I could."
Katie, 2003 Colchester Community Crew Member

"I have met some of the most amazing people I ever will here. You have some incredible talent tied up with this organization, and you should be very proud of this."
Danny, 2002 Assistant Park Manager

"The VYCC is full of good old-fashioned song-and-dance fun, and a lot of hard work."
Kaela, 2002 Roving Crew Member

"The best part of the job was sending off the visitors at the end of their stay with a smile on their face and a bit more respect for the natural world."
Kevin, 2002 Assistant Park Manager

"I often say I won’t forget people, but honestly, I will never forget the impact my leaders had on me."
Becky, 2002 Smugglers Notch State Park Crew Member

"I learned how my actions and attitudes affect others, and how wrong first impressions can be."
Mary, 2002 Roving Crew Member