The first all-women crew from the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps (RMYC) completed trail work on the Peninsula Recreation Area (PRA) from Monday, June 5 – Friday, June 16, 2023. The RMYC intentionally selected an all-female crew to allow women-identifying individuals to learn how to work in conservation with the support of like-minded women. Over the two-week period, the Ladies Youth Crew extended trails to connect existing trails and built new hiking only trails, while learning “Leave No Trace” principles, team building, and leadership and communications skills, in addition to attending a daily hour-long educational session called Something Educational Every Day (SEED), led by crew leaders. SEED sessions teach crew members how the project they are working on impacts nature and human communities, how to meal plan, camp set up, SMART goals, identifying personal and professional strengths, career opportunities, interview practices, and more.
Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Ladies Youth Crew
Members of the all-women led crew were selected through a process that included a Zoom information session and an application. Preference was given to Colorado teens, ahead of out-of-state applicants. Six crew members, predominantly from Colorado, ranging in ages 14-18 years old, were selected to participate in this two-week session at the PRA, along with two group leaders. The crew camped during their session and were expected to work 32 hours per week during the program, while getting paid. On the weekends, the crew took on adventures locally, which were chosen as a group.
Trail Improvements at the Peninsula Recreation Area
The Peninsula Recreation Area is the largest municipally owned recreational feature in the greater Summit County area. With 807 total acres, jointly managed by the Town of Frisco, the United States Forest Service, and Denver Water, the PRA is an important recreational asset for the Town and the region. This RMYC all-women crew performed several trail improvements during the two-week session. A 1,500-foot extension of the Perimeter Trail was added to connect the existing Perimeter Trail from the west to the Nordic Center. Additionally, a 750-foot hiking-only trail called Little Lottie was added to connect the PRA Trailhead with Jody’s Nugget loop.
About Rocky Mountain Youth Corps
RMYC is one of the many corps in The Corps Network and is one of eight accredited corps with the Colorado Youth Corps Association. Established in 1993 by the City of Steamboat Springs, RMYC was created to fill the community demand for more youth employment, education, and recreational opportunities. RMYC engages teens and young adults, ages 11-30 years of age, in the outdoors by providing programs to inspire individuals to use their strengths and potential to lead healthy and productive lives. RMYC teaches responsibility for self, community, and the environment through teamwork, meaningful service opportunities, educational experiences, and employment. RMYC’s programs focus on supporting youth success, a sustainable environment, and providing experiences to over 500 youth annually.
For more information on the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps visit rockymountainyouthcorps.org or contact Rocky Mountain Youth Corps Youth Programs Manager, Meghan Loury at mloury@rockymountainyouthcorps.com.