For the second year, World Salmon Council has partnered with Mt. Hood Community College to train eight Project YESS Youth Conservation Corps members, aged 16-21, in the four Salmon Watch content areas: salmon biology, macroinvertebrate sampling, water quality testing, and nature awareness.
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The youth corps members engaged in a full day of training in early October at Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, hosted by World Salmon Council staff and several Salmon Watch Volunteer Educators. In the two weeks following, corps members practiced what they learned and compiled additional information and resources.
The students then went on to teach two all-day field trips at Eagle Creek to sixty 6th graders from Walt Morey Middle School, located in Troutdale.
Amelia, a Project YESS corps member, admits that the prospect of teaching was at first nerve-wracking, and she was surprised to find that some of the kids already knew about macroinvertebrates. But, she says, “It was cool because since the students already knew some basic facts, it made for a much more engaging session with valuable discussions.”
For Hanna, who co-taught water quality testing, she also found the experience rewarding and hopes that she might continue doing similar work in the future. “Overall, this experience made me realize that I really do love working with kids and I didn’t know that before because I never got the opportunity.”
Both Amelia and Hanna are pursuing science degrees at Mt Hood Community College, in addition to their commitments through Project YESS. Amelia hopes to complete a Marine Biology degree while Hanna is seeking a career in environmental education.
In addition to gaining insight into possible future career paths, Project YESS corps members are upholding their commitment as engaged members of the community and developing critical leadership skills. According to Michael Oliver, Youth Conservation Corps Program Coordinator, “Teaching Salmon Watch has been very effective at doing both of those things for our students!”
When asked about what effect teaching on Salmon Watch field trips has on corps members, Michael said, “Every time we do this, I get to watch the students soar and excel and connect with the kids, and they really gain a tremendous amount of self-confidence from doing it… Simply put, they rise to the occasion and really embrace the opportunity.”
A big thank you to Project YESS corps members, their professors and school administrators for their contributions to this program and for helping to create an amazing experience for Walt Morey students.
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