Et cetera : NCCC Team Bonds with Crossroads for Youth in Oxford, Mich.

Katie is raking sand that had been moved onto the beach area.

By: Nicolette Koerner

The NCCC team of Maple 2 is making a real difference in Oxford, Michigan. The team is currently working with Crossroads for Youth, a non-profit organization created to help guide children and young adults into becoming productive and successful members of society. Maple 2 spends the first part of their day performing maintenance such as painting, trail building and roofing, which is the main priority. The second part of the day is spent doing a range of activities with the youth such as cooking, recreation and arts and crafts.

The team has made great improvements on the Crossroads for Youth property. They have painted several buildings, cleaned out cabins and currently unused spaces, transported sand onto a beach area as well as clearing debris from the trails. Due to weather, the NCCC team has not had a chance to roof, although they are looking forward to it in the coming weeks.

As for working with the youth, Maple 2 has facilitated a number of activities with them that has in turn taught them valuable life skills. The Corps Members have grown close to the residents and have become effective mentors. The team has been split into three groups and works in three units: Boys Center, Girls Center and the Life Preparation Center. Maple 2 also works with the Achievement Center and the Learning Center on Saturdays.

Maple 2 has been fortunate to participate in many volunteer projects outside of Crossroads for Youth. The team has worked with the K-9 Stray Rescue League twice during the project walking dogs, picking up after, feeding and watering them, as well as having positive interaction with the dogs through playing. They have also worked with the Baldwin Center sorting through donated food. Also, the team has just recently worked with O.A.T.S. (Offering Alternative Therapy with Smiles), an organization that provides therapy with horses for disabled people.