Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC's Oak 5 Serves as Camp Counselors for Sherman Lake YMCA

5 takes a tour of the grounds of Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center

Corps member Marie poses for a picture during belay training

By Erin Manion, Oak 5

Oak 5 has been working hard to make sure that campers who come to Sherman Lakehave a wonderful experience. The team has been serving as camp counselors in Augusta, Michigan with Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center (SLYMCA). The team has participated in several trainings, motivated and encouraged campers to be HCRR, performed a song during a day group for elementary students, and acted as belayers during activities for campers. The responsibility of the work taken on by Oak 5 has made other areas of work easier for the staff at Sherman Lake.

Sherman Lake implements serving learning opportunities during activities, trainings, and or professional development. The staff at SLYMCA provides beneficial information to members of Oak 5 that is useful for camp and "Life After AmeriCorps."�

"It is a new experience. It has been challenging. However, I am excited to be a positive role model for the campers at Sherman Lake."� says AmeriCorps NCCC member Alexandra Woods.

The Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center strengthens the spirit, mind, and body while instilling an appreciation of the natural environment. The mission was adopted in 1994 when the center began its first camping program and has remained central to the vision of all its program. The shortened version of Sherman Lake Outdoor Center is: SUCCESS FOR EVERY CHILD.