Et cetera : NCCC Cedar 6 Team assists with Camp Wapsie land management

Team leader Nick Rossmiller bucks logs to later be split into firewood for use by campers.

Alyse Cheyne fills an open trench with sand, dirt, and woodchips to prevent erosion from flooding.

By Kelli Beavers

AmeriCorps NCCC team Cedar 6 served with YMCA Camp Wapsie from October 18 to November 3. Cedar 6 was sent to YMCA Camp Wapsie to help implement the camp’s land management program. The support of Cedar 6 allowed the camp to create a better environment in which to facilitate an improved camp experience.

Cedar 6 split firewood, cleared trails, removed stumps, and managed the burn pile, among other land management tasks. These tasks made the camp a safer and a more enjoyable place for youth from the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area attending Camp Wapsie. In addition to the land management program, the team rebuilt two obstacle course elements. The previous elements were in need of replacement as they had become unsafe for the youth. With these new elements in place, campers are able to safely enjoy teambuilding obstacles during their stay.

Camp Wapsie aims to utilize the natural camp environment for fun, safe, and unique experiences that promote the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. The organization serves 1,700 campers and 4,000 retreat guests each year.