Hands-on approach to life, learning and leading

The Weld County Youth Conservation Corps (WCYCC) isn't a typical route one would think of taking when trying to navigate that next step in life as a young adult. Still, it has been worthwhile for Weld County native Wyatt Smith and helped him gain skills and insight he wasn't expecting.

Smith found himself looking for that next step when he decided to relocate back to his home of Greeley following a move to Minnesota at the age of 20. He worked for a bigger corporation but quickly realized his passion for community service was greater than his desire to climb the corporate ladder. 

"Growing up, I didn't really know what I wanted to do with my life, and I really didn't have the money for college. I think the opportunities that WCYCC offers allow a person to experience a lot of different things they might not have and see what it means to take pride in your work while learning a whole bunch of skill sets," Smith said.

Sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps, housed within the WCYCC, is a commitment-based program where corps members receive a monthly living stipend and then also receive an Education Award (scholarship) upon successful completion of their service.

From voluntary community service projects to grant-funded projects, the WCYCC engages its members in meaningful community and conservation (land, water, energy) service projects throughout Weld County. From eight-week summer crews to year-round crews, the WCYCC serves youth and young adults aged 16 -25. Corps members can serve in the following hour capacities: 300, 450, 900, or 1,200.

The WCYCC is actively recruiting for its 2022 chainsaw crew and summer service crew. Crew members can expect to work on a wide variety of projects to get their hours in. Projects include year-round trail work for the City of Greeley, chainsaw and fence projects with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, helping senior centers across the county with projects for their buildings and providing assistance with set up/teardown for bigger events at Island Grove, such as the Weld County Fair, Greeley Stampede and Weld Project Connect.

"There isn't anything to lose by joining WCYCC. You will get stronger both mentally and physically. You can earn money for school through the education grant, or you can use the experience to get yourself into a trade and make lots of money there." Smith explained. "You get to work outside, for the most part, around your community, helping people and making friends along the way. WCYCC allows for you to create your path."

Today, as Smith reflects on his time with the WCYCC, he is eager to share his story in hopes that it will lead to others joining him soon. Smith, who started as a crew member, now serves as the AmeriCorps Summer Service crew leader for the WCYCC while also assisting the year-round chainsaw crew.

"You could be cutting down a 60-foot Russian Olive tree one day, and then the next, you are cleaning a pool or shoveling snow for an elderly community member," Smith said. "Youth Corps are underestimated. We have repeatedly heard this when someone hears youth corps, assuming the opportunities are only for young kids. It's a group of us who are just trying to figure out what motivates us, where we want to go next and what skills we can gain.”

For 2019 corps member Sabrina Hernandez, the WCYCC offered an easy transition from military to civilian life as she ended her active duty with the United States Army. The AmeriCorps crew model had a structure she found familiar to her military service while allowing her the freedom to do many different things and escape the “same old same” feeling that comes with most jobs. 

"I was getting off active duty and looking for something with that similar command structure," Hernandez said, explaining the jobs the corps offers can help young people develop a strong work ethic and discover the importance of time management. "WCYCC offered me hands-on experience while getting to do things out of the everyday normal. It was worth it to me to give it a try, and I am super grateful I did."

Hernandez has now finished her time with WCYCC, having completed all 1,200 hours and obtaining her education award. While on the WCYCC, she earned her wildland fire chainsaw crew certificate, first aid/CPR/AED certificates and also gained a defensive driving certificate along with an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 10-hour certificate.

Of all that she gained, two things stand out above the rest that a position on the WCYCC offers anyone willing to give it a chance: confidence and the satisfying feeling that comes from a job well done.

"Beyond being able to tackle things that I might have feared or thought I couldn't do, like walking up to the biggest tree I have seen and chop it down, it's a good feeling to accomplish tasks that not only contribute to the community but also make you realize the strength you have within yourself," Hernandez said.

Canning has been a staple of American life for some time now. But did you know that the Fort Lupton Canning Co. helped its namesake town grow its business ventures? Find out more by visiting the Weld County History website. Look around while you’re there to see what other historical gems you can discover.

Volunteering time to worthy causes and organizations is a great opportunity for residents, and one worthy cause is serving on a Weld County Board or Commission. In the next issue of County Roots, learn why the experience is unique and valuable directly from those who've invested their time and energy into learning about, and improving, government services.