The Program

The Yellowstone Adventure and Service Program will give teens the opportunity to explore the Yellowstone and Gallatin ecosystems and surrounding area, complete service projects with national and state parks and forests, and learn “leave no trace” camping skills as they travel through varied landscapes. During this adventure, participants will work as a team to complete daily tasks of cooking, route finding, map reading, and setting up a safe camp. Volunteer coordinators from the park and forest service will help participants to complete a significant work project that helps protect the unique environment of Yellowstone. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to join in adventure activities, including hiking, white-water rafting, rock climbing and guided tours to explore the geology and wildlife in Yellowstone.

Program participants will have the opportunity to experience the dramatic natural features of the world’s very first national park. They will be able to watch eruptions at geyser basins while visiting places like Mammoth Terraces, Norris Geyser Basin, and Old Faithful. Natural history guides will help to explain the geology, and help to identify and learn about Yellowstone’s wide variety of birds, plants and mammals. Whether exploring the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, hiking to the summit of Mount Washburn, or studying the mammals of the remote Lamar Valley, the group will gain a deeper understanding of Yellowstone’s environment, while learning what it means to be good stewards of the land. The group will also spend some time in the Grand Teton National Park and Gallatin National Forest where they will have opportunities to learn about land management and environmental issues.

During the program, our participants will also be completing a full week of service projects. Volunteer coordinators from the national or state parks will arrange work projects that may include trail work, camp ground restoration, building board walks through geyser basins, helping to control the invasion of exotic plants, or assisting with a current research project.

Accomodation and Itinerary

The YAS Program is designed around camping and outdoor cooking, taking advantage of the facilities at the State and National Parks and Forests. For example, while in Yellowstone, our group will travel between the campgrounds at Indian Creek, Lewis Lake, Mammoth, Norris, Pebble Creek and Tower Fall as they explore natural features of the park. Vehicles will support the group as they move between each site. Participants will be responsible for organizing their own gear and assisting with the group equipment, such as tents, stoves and program supplies. Group members will sleep in tents or under the starry summer skies. Each YAS participant will share in the responsibilities of food preparation, site set-up and pick-up, and performing community service projects.

On a typical day, one participant will be chosen as the leader-of-the-day. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the setup and breakdown of the campsite, preparing meals, and coordinating with the park service for that day’s service project. S/he will communicate with group members and discuss service projects, hiking routes, menus, and other details. The leader-of-the-day will make decisions, be open to feedback, and conduct a cabin chat in the evening that allows the group to reflect on the lessons of each day.

All YAS participants will take part in two days of orientation at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA prior to departing on their journey. During this time, YAS participants will develop group-building skills and learn how to be ambassadors for the YMCA. The group will discuss the basics of travel as well as the adventure and camping activities for this program. They will become acquainted with fellow group members and discuss program goals and regulations, thus setting the standards for the success of their adventure. Participants will review how to pack their backpacks, develop outdoor cooking skills, lead cabin chat, and effectively participate in a community service project.

Communication

Due to the expanse of the wilderness in Yellowstone National Park, participants will be in isolated areas at times. The group will have an itinerary, with scheduled nights at Park Service Campgrounds. Our leaders carry cell phones for emergencies. It is important to remember that this does not guarantee immediate communication from the field to our office. Radio and cell phone transmission can be unpredictable and dependant on terrain, atmospheric conditions and other variables. There may be occasions when we have no phone access with our group for over 24 hours. However, we require all YAS leaders to call the Youth Travel Program Director at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA office a minimum of once a week and when moving from one location to another.

Closing

YAS participants will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the natural world as they explore the untrammeled landscapes of the Yellowstone ecosystem. Participants will explore the geothermal features of the park, experience wilderness on a grand scale, and develop camping skills. The group will also help to preserve Yellowstone by completing a meaningful service project. Good physical health and a positive attitude are essential. Independence, responsibility, achievement, fun - these qualities, and more, are the essence of the YAS Program.