November 2023 - Parks & Recreation - 23

Leaf Rake. We offer a day [during] which citizens who
are not physically able can request to have a group of
YVC volunteers come rake leaves for them. Seeing the
human impact of this project makes it extremely memorable
and something we look forward to doing every year.
Hamil: There is an unforgettable story for every volIn
Muskogee, Oklahoma, YVC helps youth become their best
selves.
volunteering with YVC?
Johnson: One of the biggest areas of growth we see
in our youth is a rise in confidence and the feeling of
making a difference. One of our youth volunteers began
volunteering to get school credit but stayed because
she enjoyed the feeling she got when she made a difference
in someone's life.
Hamil: We have seen shy and quiet youth find their
voice and become outspoken advocates. YVC helps
youth become their best selves and shows them that
they can make a difference in the community no matter
where they come from. That is a very powerful feeling
to have!
Miller: What are some of the most popular
volunteer projects?
Johnson: Our two most popular volunteer projects
are with our local humane societies and environmental
organizations. At humane societies, youth help sanitize
the shelters, make toys for animals, socialize the animals
and more! At environmental organizations, youth
learn about the natural areas around them by removing
invasive species, planting and watering new plants and
more to enhance our local parks and natural areas.
Hamil: Our most popular project occurs at a camp
for youth and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.
The project has our volunteers waiting not so
patiently for the next summer to see their camp buddies.
The project is so popular it usually has a waiting
list to volunteer.
Miller: What is a story from the YVC program that
you will never forget?
Johnson: One of my favorite projects is our annual
unteer. The number of volunteers who graduate and
come back to work as leaders in the program during
summers off from college is one of the biggest compliments
to the YVC program and to the long-term effects
on the youth. So many of the youth go off into the
world, and we follow them on social media and see the
impact they are still making.
At YVC headquarters, we love to see youth involved in
park and recreation departments making a difference in their
communities! Are you interested in starting a youth volunteer
program? Visit yvc.org or email us at info@yvc.org
to learn more.
Sarah Miller is Affiliate Programs and Growth Manager at Youth
Volunteer Corps (smiller@yvc.org).
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