This past school year has been one of many challenges and, perhaps surprisingly, many successes. The teens in YMCA Earth Service Corps have show tremendous adaptability and resilience as they navigated the uncertain waters of remote learning, social distancing, and the unpredictability that characterized this year.

Clubs met virtually for most of the year and tackled new projects or reimagined previous ideas to fit the virtual world. Students: 

• Planted seeds and starts at home in recycled containers instead of at their school gardens.
• Learned about the legislative process and advocated for environmental bills by contacting their representatives.
• Tackled climate change and environmental justice issues through social media campaigns and amplifying the voices of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ activists.
• Explored environmental careers through guest speakers from across environmental fields.
• Built community through icebreaker questions, games, and GIFs while online, and rejoiced at the chance to renew relationships in person when school returned to buildings in the late spring.

And, most importantly, they let their environmental passion and their creativity guide them even through the tumult of this year, with over 835 young leaders contributing more than 6,600 hours of service to make the world a better place.

We invite you to share in the highlights and achievements of Earth Service Corps youth this year by watching our Year-End Celebration Video and exploring the YESC Yearbook.