Celebrating a Year of Youth-Led Environmental Action | YMCA Earth Service Corps
Last updated: June 12, 2026, at 7:58 a.m. PT
Originally published: June 12, 2026, at 7:58 a.m. PT
YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC) is an innovative youth-led program that empowers students to take a hands-on role in creating a healthier environment in their schools, communities, and region. Through environmental service projects, students build leadership skills, strengthen connections with one another, and nurture respect for the diversity of the natural world.
This year, YESC clubs across King County turned their passion for the environment into meaningful action. From school gardens and paper towel composting to habitat restoration and more, students led projects that made a real impact in their communities. Across 30 YESC clubs, youth worked together not only to care for the planet, but also to build strong, supportive communities rooted in collaboration, creativity, and service.
To celebrate all they accomplished, YESC hosted a Year End Celebration with 50 youth and family members joining staff for a BBQ, field games, and an awards presentation. The event was an opportunity to recognize the leadership, commitment, and unique contributions of each student who helped make this year a success.
Individual youth awards highlighted the many ways students showed up as leaders. Some of our favorite awards included Restoration Rockstar, Mission: Possible Award, Emblem of Empathy, Compassionate Collaborator, Media Maverick, and Behind-the-Scenes Brilliance Award. Each award reflected the creativity, care, and dedication youth brought to their clubs and environmental projects throughout the year.
We applaud every YESC student and club for their hard work, leadership, and commitment to building a healthier, more sustainable future. Their efforts remind us that when young people are given the opportunity to lead, they can create lasting change in their schools, communities, and beyond.
Want to see where YESC clubs are making an impact? Check out our map of participating schools.
You can also learn more about Y Earth Service Corps and see highlights from youth projects on Instagram.