YES Teens Share Summer Achievements

Forty teens from six park and recreation sites converged on PHS headquarters recently for the last blast of YES, the Youth Environmental Stewardship program.

The 14- to 18-year-olds worked for six weeks this summer on outdoor restoration and beautification projects at their neighborhood parks and rec centers. They cleaned up lots, removed weeds and invasive plants, planted annuals and perennials, maintained gardens and trails, and implemented storm water management projects. The learning experience also included conservation classes, leadership training, yoga, rock-climbing, health and fitness lessons, and other life skills.

Each YES group recorded its work in photos, videos and other documentation, and shared the experience – some with skits and hip-hop -- in final presentations on Aug. 14 at PHS. Deputy Mayor Everett Gillison congratulated and thanked the participants for their hard work and accomplishments in their communities. The teens worked 20 hours per week and earned $7.25 per hour.

The participating facilities this year were Papa Playground/Morris Park; East Park/Mander Playground; Laura Simms Skate House, Cobbs Creek Park; Juniata Park/Ferko Playground; Olney Recreation Center/Tacony Creek Park; and Happy Hollow Recreation Center/Fern Hill Park.

The YES program is coordinated by PHS, Fairmount Park, and the Philadelphia Department of Recreation.

For more information Contact:
Alan Jaffe at 215-988-8833
Laura Hoover at 215-988-8836