AmeriCorps (NCCC) will be at Sound View this Winter

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I am excited that an AmeriCorps NCCC team will be onsite this winter for six weeks. Earlier teams have redefined our trails, helped start our fledgling outdoor environmental education program, built the garden, developed signage, eradicated blackberries, and assisted with numerous other projects. AmeriCorps NCCC is a pretty remarkable program for young people who want to perform service and are willing to get dirty with hands-on projects.

This time around, the NCCC team will be undertaking some much needed projects that will enhance Sound View’s program while addressing some environmental requests from the Nisqually Land Trust.

  1. RELOCATING THE ARCHERY RANGE. The present range sits in a low, moist area with old growth hardwoods most likely functioning as habitat for much wildlife. The team will be moving the range to a dryer area and building the necessary safety barriers in the process. It is possible that we can repurpose the old area to something more seasonal/temporary - such as summer horseshoe pits and volleyball.

  2. BUILDING A “NATURAL” PLAYGROUND. The timber harvest opened up a section between the Shire and the play field. A natural playground uses natural materials to create a space where kids can use their imagination to play without the assistance of technology. Jumps, forts, teepees, teeter-totters, and swings can be imagined. The team may be asking for assistance from families to contribute to and help build the natural playground over a work weekend this March.

  3. RELOCATING THE LOW ROPES COURSE. Low ropes, or group initiatives are the teambuilding activities we often do with campers, school groups, families, teens, and adults. Some are “physical” elements (such as a balance beam or a giant spider’s web) while others are more portable and can be pulled out from a box. The team will scatter the elements we have along our extensive trail system that skirts the camp. Thus, a low ropes experience becomes a hike and a guided hike may be interrupted by a low ropes experience. The team will research and build some new elements to complement the ones that we have already. The old location (near the high ropes course) will become a BMX/MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL.

  4. ASSIST WITH TREE PLANTING. The team will assist our forest managers with planting new trees around camp as the last phase of the timber harvest. One section of camp will even include a Christmas tree farm. Over the years, campers and guests will be able to mark the progress of the various species of trees. The ALDER TRAIL will be re-routed somewhat to wend through the newly planted areas.

One team will be spending a week with us in late-January. This team will work on some projects to ready the second team - such as trail work and relocating GAGABALL to a better place closer to the dining hall. The second team will be at Sound View for five weeks starting February 22. With no groups at camp, because of the pandemic, they should get a lot of work done. We will introduce them to you (as we always do) when they arrive.

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