OXFORD, Miss – About 140 AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) are giving Camp Lake Stephens a facelift for summer youth, and are training at the Rebel Challenge Course at the University of Mississippi on Friday, March 1, 2013, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
“Camp Lake Stephens is fortunate to have these young people come in to do work that we would not normally be able to do. We are blown away by how much they can get done,” said Darrell Whitaker, executive director, of Camp Lake Stephens.
Corps Members are working on several projects including: building trails; build cross tie retaining wall and path in front of cabins; paint interior of three rooms and a cooler; hang shelves in closet; install folding door; build trail between Athletic Field and Trail to Creek; caulk cracks; and, install metal shelves. These beautification projects will enhance the summer camp experience for youth.
Two units of about 70, divided into 14 teams of 8-12 Corps Members. The mission of the Rebel Challenge Course is to provide new and exciting adventures to improve communication, build problem-solving skills, and enhance teamwork. One unit will be at the ropes course, while the other is at the camp.
Mississippi is home to one of five NCCC campuses in the country. NCCC members hail from states across the country.
AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, residential, national service program in which 1,200 young adults service nationwide each year. During their 10-month term, Corps Members – all 18 to 24 years old – work on teams of eight to 12 on projects that address critical needs related to natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation, and urban and rural development. FEMA Corps is a new branch of AmeriCorps NCCC that works solely with FEMA agencies on emergency management projects. All NCCC members receive leadership training, valuable work skills, and a $5,550 education award. CNCS improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. Applications are accepted for NCCC and FEMA Corps at my.americorps.gov or www.americorps.gov/nccc.