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Other entries in Sacramento

Back to Sac - Debrief

Reflection

So...as I said for the last project...there were many ups and downs, in fact, a lot of downs. But as frustrated as I got about the project I tried to stay positive by telling myself that this is something that needs to be done.  That if we don't do it, it might not get done at all.  It's easy to get overwhelmed and any at "the system" for not getting to those who need it the most.  It's easy to be mad at the neighborhood for not banding together and helping others out.  It's very tempting to lay blame on a number of organizations, individuals, etc.  But I think that there are a lot of other things going no here that we don't necessarily know about.  And unfortunately it would probably take too long to figure them all out.  So the best thing for me was just to try and stay positive and do what needs to be done.  And that involved moving a lot of limbs.  At least 75% of the houses that we worked at are completely finished and don't need anymore work.  The assessments we did will help United Way clean up their system by removing the ones that are finished and assist in setting up future volunteer groups.  But the real reward was at those houses where we were genuinely appreciated.  I'm definitely glad that it's over and I really hope that the families that we couldn't help will get some in the near future.

Quantitative Project Accomplishments

Worked at 47 different houses

RSVP
Removed 19.6 tons of debris
Worked with one community volunteer

United Way
Removed 11.3 tons of debris
Shredded a dumpster full of paper
Completed 73 damage assessments
Served lunch to 37 people at a soup kitchen once

Working with a group of 28 volunteers:
Removed 3.5 tons of debris
Installed a wooden fence

Alaska Information

We will be on Prince of Wales Island which is west off the coast of Ketchikan, Alaska.  Basically we will be living/working on an old floating logging camp which they hope to make into a real camp.  The island is complete wilderness.

We are working with a company called Alaska Coastal Discoveries, Inc.
More information about them:

ACD, Inc. was incorporated in 2004.  The physical development of our program began with the acceptance of the significant donation of a "retired" logging float camp.  This camp is being renovated to meet the needs of two special populations in our community and beyond: "at-risk" teens; and physicaly challenged adults, children, and teens.  The youth program will focus on the development of socially conscious, mature, self-respecting young adults.  The component for the physically challenged will focus on delivering recreational and education programs for people typically unable to "experience" the Alaskan wilderness as the result of their disabilities.  The youth in residence will be assisting to host the camp for the physically challenged.  As the program evolves and becomes fiscally stable we anticipate that scholarships will be available.

Because of the camp's location, much of the cuisine provided will be fresh seafood: salmon, shrimp, halibut, crab, etc.   Additionally a barbecue will be available for grilling.  All food costs are much higher in Southeast Alaska as food must all be shipped in by barge or air freight.  There will be laundry facilities and standard bathrooms.  There might also be wireless internet at the camp.

Summary of project:
The objectives of the Alaska Coastal Discoveries program include the development of a wilderness facility that is designed to serve two populations: troubled youth, and adults and children with physical challenges.  In this setting youth will learn: skills to aid them in their success in the work world; to capitalize on their strengths; and to improve skills that are less refined; attain emotional maturity and understand social responsibility.  The guests visiting our wilderness camp will learn about the Tongass National Rainforest and the flora and fauna it supports and they will experience an unparalleled recreational sport-fishing opportunity in a setting that is created to provide them comfort and safety. AmeriCorps Project Team members will learn to take responsibility for their jobs and to work a part of a team, not only the AmeriCorps team, but the Alaska Discoveries team.  The project team will be fully integrated into this development project.  At the close of their assignment they will be as proud as we are of what we have been able to accomplish.  The team will see the results of their contributions to creating this float camp as a safe place for our youth in residence to flourish and our guests to enjoy this remote wilderness setting.

Specific tasks and activities:
The overall project involves the rehabilitation (inside and outside) of ten buildings (kitchen, laundry building, library, school, workshop, and living quarters in five buildings). Each building is sound in structure but needs connection of the plumbing, heat, and waste systems.  In addition, the project includes reinstalling the water system, reconnecting the power throughout the camp, rearranging and positioning and securing the floats according to the master plan, replacing all  decking throughout the camp, building a land bridge for access to shoreline, constructing small boat docking and kayak storage racks, building decks and installing soft-tubs, building picnic tables, and securing the entire perimeter of the camp so it is safe and meets ADA requirements.  In the near future we would like to include a greehouse, fish smoke house, and a gymnasium.

Information about the island itself:
Prince of Wales Island is 2231 square miles of heavily forested dramatic coastal mountains with many rivers, streams and lakes.  This recreational paradise offers more discovery opportunities than any other location in Alaska.  Its 990-mile coastline has numerous bays, coves, inlets and points.  The Alaska Native peoples have long accessed the richness of the area in its wildlife and growth.  Some of the largest Redwood and Sitka Spruce trees have been harvested in the area.  The rain produces a climate that encourages the growth of all flora and fauna.  The annual salmon life cycle has supplied  countless people with subsistence over hundreds of years.  The salmon has also fed the bears and eagles over the years.  There are also wolves, mink, martin, whales, otters, seals and other animals on the island.

Service Learning Opportunities:
We will learn about the history of the area from a local historian, the specific history of the floating camp and how it supported many families who cut timber, the different type of salmon and how to fish for them, halibut, red snapper fishing and shrimping.  Ketchikan is also home to one of the world's largest collection of Native Totem poles.  Corps members will be introduced to Native art and mythology, and will, more than likely, actually speak with a totem carver. Additionally, Corps members will have the opportunity to leave the floats and hike one of the old timber harvest roads, walking through some of the most undisturbed, pristine, primitive country in the world.  Corps members will also be able to walk the beaches exploring the new developments left by the tides.