Et cetera : Class 19 NCCC Team Leaders Serve on First Service Project

By: Class 19 Team Leaders

On Monday, August 13, the newly formed Spruce, Pine and Hickory NCCC Units departed for their Team Leader training project at Pilgrim Heights Camp and Retreat Center in Montour, Iowa. The 21 Team Leaders are assisting the camp with renovation of four cabins, construction of bunk beds and removal of invasive species.

Hickory Team Leader Melissa Ridder of Indianapolis, Indianapolis explains, "It's a chance to put policy into practice." The project reinforces skills and knowledge acquired during previous training sessions at the Vinton campus.

Currently, Pilgrim Heights serves approximately 5000 people annually for retreats, conferences, weddings, and family reunions. Jamie Casterton of Minneapolis, MN, says, "In Spruce Unit, we've talked about all of the gifts natures gives, such as gentle quiet, adventure, love and gratitude. Whenever I get tired, I remember that the work we're doing is going to help more people experience those things."