Our Youth Programming is Better Than Ever! Expansions and Advancements in 2025.
Campers had fun making various arts and crafts at the Artistry Outpost.
Raising the next generation of land and water stewards is a core tenet of our mission here at the Watershed Center, and we are excited to announce significant expansions to our youth programming this year! In this blog we’ll discuss:
Extended programming through the Indian Valley Stewardship Camp
The revamped annual youth backpacking trip
Career development through the Hayfork and Weaverville Youth Conservation Crews (YCCs)
Career exploration and support through Trinity Together: A Cradle to Career Partnership
We are actively fundraising for each of these endeavors! You may make a contribution by clicking here.
After more than two decades providing outdoor education and environmental programming at no cost to families, the Indian Valley Stewardship Camp (previously known as the Indian Valley Summer Camp) will now include additional sessions during the school year. A partnership with Mountain Valley Unified School District through their Expanded Learning Opportunity Program will enable us to offer both summer and school-year enrichment sessions for Hayfork youth. Extended programming kicked off with a week of learning during spring break in April and will continue with our regularly scheduled June sessions, and additional camp sessions in July! IVSC campers had a great time this month birding at Ewing Reservoir, learning about botany at Bar 717 Ranch - Camp Trinity, exploring local wildlife at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, and making flower bouquets at the Artistry Outpost Studio and Gift Shop.
Participants of last year’s youth backpacking trip enjoy the views at the top of a summit near Stoddard Lake.
With new wilderness guides on staff at WRTC, this year’s youth backpacking trip is shaping up to be the best yet. This trip provides an immersive, 4-day overnight wilderness experience in the beautiful backcountry of Trinity County for youth ages 10+ who excel during Indian Valley Stewardship Camp. These explorers unplug from technology, hike to a local wilderness destination, swim in alpine lakes, and learn responsible camping and stewardship skills from their dedicated guides. These youth build confidence, a growth mindset, deepen connections with nature, and create close bonds with their peers during this unforgettable experience. We are planning this year’s trip and look forward to filling available spots with tenacious young hikers.
Youth Conservation Crew members huddle up with the Fire Management Team to learn about prescribed fire, burn plans, and objectives.
The YCC, also operating for more than two decades, has provided valuable job experience and training for Hayfork youth and, for the last three seasons, Weaverville teens. This year, 10 local students will be employed for up to 8 weeks during their summer break, gaining employment readiness skills in what for many is their first job. The youth learn about the land around them, career opportunities in natural resources, and hands-on experience with natural resource projects such as trail and recreation site maintenance in partnership with the US Forest Service. We will continue to facilitate opportunities for youth to learn about noxious weed management, prescribed fire, habitat conservation, and the proper use of tools and machinery. Several of our past YCC participants have gone on to pursue careers in natural resources.
Trinity Together is an initiative to inspire and expose Trinity County youth to careers and continued education. The initiative supports hands-on work-based learning and career pathway navigation. Opportunities for youth include job shadows, internships, demonstrations from experts in a variety of fields and individual mentoring. Trinity Together also hosts the College & Career Expo. This year the event connected 40 potential employees to 300 attendees of all ages with career training programs and employment opportunities. This spring, Trinity Together organized a field trip to the Shasta College medical training building for those interested in nursing, dentistry, and physical therapy; facilitated a career panel discussion featuring law enforcement officers from various jurisdictions; and orchestrated two lineman demonstrations for those interested in utility work. The interests of each student are identified and nurtured to empower youth to take their next steps into the future.
We are extremely fortunate to have brought Mary St. John aboard to oversee and expand these exciting experiences for youth. Her local roots as a former Hyampom/now Weaverville resident and expansive educational and institutional experience have been a powerful catalyst for these updates and advancements. We are also grateful to have received funding from the Klamath River Fund: Community Impact Grant 2025 of the Humboldt Area Foundation + Wild Rivers Community Foundation, which has provided generous support for our participation in Bar 717, the Summer Snorkel Survey, and the Hyampom Salmon Gathering this year. Big things are in store for the young people living in this magnificent landscape!
The 2025 College and Career Fair connected dozens of vendors with hundreds of attendees.
Please consider participating in our current fundraising effort by donating to WRTC Youth Development Programs. Your investment in the next generation of young stewards will directly benefit the habitat we all call home, Trinity County. Donate, become a sponsor, and learn more by visiting thewatershedcenter.com/youth-dev-programs.
