Service-Learning VIPs: Project ReGeneration

  

Project ReGeneration (a program of Summer of Service grantee Conservation Corps North Bay) is an environmental service and learning program for sixth through ninth graders in Marin and Sonoma counties. It inspires future generations of environmental stewards and leaders through a unique combination of outdoor education, community service and recreational activities. Participating sixth through ninth graders earn a Learn and Serve America scholarship of $500 upon completing 100 hours of service in the program.

Justin S.: "The major thing that Project ReGen has taught me is how to take care of the environment. Whether it’s recycling or reusing, ReGen has told me how to do it efficiently. Removing invasive plants is something I have become an expert at over the years. I identify so many different invasive plants now."

Josefina Q.: "Being a team player is important in life, everyone knows that. Some people never acquire the skill of working in a team efficiently. And this program allows kids to obtain that skill. All of us work as one, both the leaders and the children. We all watch out for one another while working and we become friends doing so. I like working in a team—it gets the job finished and it makes working fun."

Marcus O.: "I’ve been across the state (so it seems) and back on many occasions. I’ve seen redwood forests, lakes, streams, creeks, plains, farms, friendly faces and more than a normal summer might not offer. A normal summer usually consists of video games and swimming, plus some parties. But I’ve had a chance to be exposed to the rest of the world around me and make a difference in all of it."

Lakk Y.: "Although there were plenty of lessons learned about saving the planet, some of the most important ones were about communicating with other people. Even with everyone’s differences in personality and style, within a month, everyone has made new relationships. The program has helped teach me to accept people for who they are, and, even more difficult, work together with them as a team. All the lessons I learned will play an active role in the way I act from now on. These lessons aren’t what you can really learn in a classroom. They have to be learned first-hand, out with real people in the real world."



- Project ReGeneration (A program of Summer of Service grantee Conservation Corps North Bay)