I was able to explore Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming at this position. I saw so many stunning places and I made amazing friends. RMYC will certainly challenge you, but it will also force you to grow in ways you didn't even realize you needed to.
What I wish was different
I wish that there was a bit more logistical organization. It is part of the experience to have your crew's plans change on a dime, but when your schedule/worksite/camping location has to change too often, it can be exhausting. That being said, in retrospect some of my favorite memories at RMYC have come out of everything being chaotic and then overcoming it with my crew.
Advice
You get out of RMYC what you put in. If you're genuinely not mentally prepared to work in snow, hail, or scorching heat for ten hours a day, don't go. A somewhat positive attitude in the face of exhuastion and difficulty is a must for this job.
Also, don't assume you can't do it just because you've never done anything like it before, or think you're not fit enough to, etc. You will surprise yourself. It may be hard at first, but you'll learn quickly and your body will adjust.
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Trail Crew Member
June - August 2020 • Steamboat Springs, CO
What I liked
Camping for 9 weeks straight and adventuring around Colorado every day of my summer
What I wish was different
Advice
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Botanic Park Intern
June - August 2019 • Steamboat Springs, CO
What I liked
This job let me learn the basics of planning and constructing. It was a great resource for networking as well. Lots of hands on experience in a beautiful place.
What I wish was different
I wish it lasted longer!
Advice
Doing your internship somewhere new like Steamboat Springs will open you up to a new world of opportunities.
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Trail Maintenance Worker
June - August 2019 • Steamboat Springs, CO
What I liked
I loved working outside and getting to see new places. I also liked working on a tight-knit team. Since it’s Americorps, I also got 6 months of foodstamps and a Segal Education Award.
What I wish was different
My crew leaders definitely could have been better, but that’s a risk you take with any Americorps job. It also was very tough work and I was pretty burnt out by the end.
Advice
This job especially requires you to be very good at getting along with people you might not normally even want to spend time with, and since it’s a 24/7 program, that can be very intense if you’re not mentally prepared. The bones you make with the people you really like make up for it though.
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Trail Crew Member
June - August 2019 • Steamboat Springs, CO
What I liked
Hard work outside on a crew of awesome people.
What I wish was different
More downtime/time alone.
Advice
It is often a hard experience but also very fun.
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Crew Leader
May - August 2019 • Steamboat Springs, CO
What I liked
The work, setting, co-workers, lifestyle
What I wish was different
Nothing, i love this type of job and experience
Advice
Go with an open mind and be ready for challenges. This program will push you physically, mentally, and emotionally but at the end you feel very accomplished.
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Chainsaw Crew member
May - August 2019 • Steamboat Springs, CO
What I liked
The work was difficult both mentally and physically, and required intese coping skills and problem-solving. I learned new things, and am very competent using a chainsaw now.
What I wish was different
The crew sometimes had social
meshing difficulties, but that was part of the change and growth of us as individuals and as a group, even when it was difficult.
Advice
This was the most fufilling and impactful way I could have used my hands and mind to contribute meaningfully, and live and act according to my values and beliefs. If any one has the slightest inclination to do outdoor work, I highly recommend doing a Conservation Corps!
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Conservation Crew Member
June - August 2019 • Steamboat Springs, CO
What I liked
I enjoyed being outdoors for literally 99.9% of the summer. During my time with RMYC, conservation crews live out of a tent for the whole summer. We did various conservation tasks throughout the beautiful state of Colorado and got to see some amazing country. Although the work was oftentimes rather strenuous, sharing this experience with 10 other amazing young adults from all around the country was an invaluable experience. The relationships I made with these people are some that I'll carry with me forever. I also really enjoyed being able to partake in work that was so environmentally rewarding. I really felt like what my crew accomplished over the summer was making a large difference environmentally--along with expanding recreational opportunities for humans to be able to responsibly use this land for generations to come.
What I wish was different
There really isn't a whole lot that I wish was different. I guess I would have enjoyed a few more backcountry hitches (work weeks where you have to hike your equipment into backcountry settings off of established roads). We only had 1 of 10 weeks where we did this. We usually would set up basecamp at locations where we could bring the crew's van to. I really enjoyed our week that we hiked (up to 10 miles) into the Continental Divide Trail, which we worked on throughout the week. That week we got to live a true backcountry experience, and I wish we were able to do that a few more times throughout my time at RMYC.
Advice
Prepare, prepare, prepare! When working for RMYC, you are responsible for bringing your own personal gear unrelated to gear they supply for working--such as a tent, backpack, sleeping bag/pad, WARM clothing, boots, etc. Make sure you set yourself yourself up with equipment that you will be able to rely on for an entire summer of outdoor living. I spent a lot of time getting my ducks in a row before heading out to Colorado for the summer and I believe this was very beneficial to me. I witnessed a lot of fellow conservation crew members working at RMYC spend very little on equipment and weren't fully prepared for the rugged lifestyle we endured this summer. I found that spending a little more moolah on the most essential gear such as comfortable/hardy boots, a reliable tent that kept me dry, warm sleeping bag and pad and enough warm layers (especially socks!) -- and not skipping out on a few luxury items such as a collapsible camp chair--was one of the best things I did. Preparation is key, because when you're in the elements for months at a time, those are the only things you have to stay comfortable!
