LOCALadk Magazine

20 Fall 2018 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk This transformation is best described by members them- selves: "At the beginning of the summer, the head of the SC A Adirondack trail crew program told us that this experience would be one of the hardest that we have had, that it would challenge and push us in ways we had not yet been, and that it would change the way we saw the world around us. At the time I did not believe that a five-month job could do all these things, but now that we are approaching the end of the sum- mer, I do. I learned how to push myself until I was complete- ly and utterly exhausted, how to embrace the differences I found in my five crew mates instead of fearing them, how it feels to complete a job that I had initially written off as impossible, and how to find a rhythm and peace in the wilder- ness. I have learned more than I could have imagined from my experience working as a crew member for the SC A , and these were all lessons that I will not forget." Hannah Brigham, ADK Corps 2017 "No one signs up for a summer of remote trail building with the intent to learn people skills, but sometimes these things sneak up on you. As a member of the Adirondack Corps I learned any number of concrete work skills that I intend to continue putting to good use in my future career. But I also gained a lot of skills that will not only make me better at my job, but a better friend and a better human. I learned what kind of leader I am and what kind of leader I want to be. I learned how and when to make myself heard and when it's most important to listen. I learned how far I can make it on my own and how to accept a helping hand when it's offered. I'm immensely grateful to all of my fellow crew members and so proud of ever ything we accomplished." Amanda Ross, ADK Corps 2016 "I drove up to the Whitney Headquarters in May unsure of what I was getting myself into. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life. Over my five months in the Adiron- dacks, I met life-long friends, built trails, and camped in gor- geous wilderness areas, and got more black fly bites than I thought possible. It was rewarding to be a central part of the efforts that make Adirondack trails sustainable as well as en- joyable to hike, and the thanks from the hikers who passed us illustrated just how important that work is. The SC A taught me how to build bridges, turnpikes, stairs, and new trail, but along the way I also discovered much about my personality, strength, and creativity." Ann Mills, ADK Corps 2016 "My time in the Adirondacks was one of the most difficult times I have ever experienced, but I would not trade the ex- perience for anything in the world. Whether it was digging ditches for eight hours or building bridges out of trees I had just felled, the sense of accomplishment I felt when I could fi- nally put down my tools and look upon my finished work can- not be put into words. I was able to experience these accom- plishments alongside my peers, and eventually close friends, from across the countr y, who I would have never been giv- en the chance to meet other wise. I developed and learned skills ranging from first aid to rigging and leadership in harsh conditions. However, the most important thing the Adiron- dack Corps showed me as I worked and persevered with my friends, is that I have the strength and determination that will carr y me on as I continue on in my career." Matthew Ng, ADK Corps 2016 "Coming into the SC A position, I had recently graduated from college. I felt that the transition from university to SC A was ver y natural. The Adirondack Corps began to make me think more about conser vation and other topics that had slid by as I went through school. Additionally, this program has taught me many different skills that simply cannot be taught through the traditional education system. The work in the Adirondacks is also ver y hands-on which was ver y good for me and not something you can find in ever y job. In addition to this, the program has taught me many different skills that will help me to become a more engaged citizen." Halle Harklau, ADK Corps 2015 "I feel I am part of a legacy and tradition of national ser vice and ser vice to the environment that echoes back through AmeriCorps, the Civilian Conser vation Corps, the Parks Ser- vice, back to the skill and appreciation of early Americans for the land around them. Especially in the Adirondack Park, one of the oldest wilderness parks in the countr y, it is an amazing feeling to work on trails built many decades ago, and to see how important they still are to so many people." Rebecca Kambic, ADK Corps 2014 SC A's mission is, "To build the next generation of conser va- tion leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of our environ- ment and communities by engaging young people in hands- on ser vice to the land." If you spend much time on trails in the Adirondacks, you have likely hiked past an ADK Corps crew and experienced their hands-on ser vice first hand. Thanks to the successful formula of partnership between the SC A , the DEC, Ameri- Corps, and dedicated young adults, SC A ADK Corps will hopefully ser ve the Adirondacks for generations to come. With each new season comes a group of young adults that commit to five months of ser vice to each other and the Ad- irondacks, shaping both their own future, and the future of the Adirondack Park.

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