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For Immediate ReleaseContacts: Kathi
Anderson Melissa Saalfield Unique Summer Program For Teens Combines Work and Education Walden Woods Project and Minute Man National Historical Park Launch Project Groundforce CONCORD, MA; July 1, 2003– While many of Boston’s teens will spend the summer bagging groceries or life guarding, 13 area high school students will participate in the second annual Project Groundforce, an eight-week summer program coordinated by the Walden Woods Project in partnership with Minute Man National Historical Park and other national parks of the New England region. The program provides quality environmental and humanities education while offering meaningful summer employment opportunities. Project Groundforce is a cooperative youth summer program funded through the Youth Conservation Corps of the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service. “Project Groundforce has provided me a way to connect with my culture – the American culture – through history, ecology and stewardship of the land in a way that a typical summer job couldn’t,” said Ashley Williams, a second year student from Dorchester." In its second successful year, 10 of the 13 teens are returning for Project Groundforce 2003. Because Ashley exhibited extraordinary leadership skills during the first year, she has been promoted and will be working as a counselor in the program, providing leadership and mentoring for the other participants. There are many other students just like her. “We’re providing teens with the tools to be responsible community citizens. As Marcus Garvey said, ‘a people without a knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.’ Our students are like that ‘tree without roots’ if we fail to provide them with a firm grounding in the land, the people and the events and the impact on their lives today,” said Bruce Harris, Project Groundforce Program Coordinator. The educational programming is designed to enhance the employment component by grounding the labor in an historic, cultural and/or ideological context. For example, at the Hartwell Tavern in Minute Man National Historical Park, participants will portray 18th century slaves, masters, freemen and indentured servants in an effort to show the true diversity of the colonial era. Teens will work the land in costume while gaining important firsthand experience of living history and interpretation. Ideally, these “real life” interpretive experiences will encourage students to engage in social and environmental justice issues within their own communities. Additionally, Project Groundforce introduces a diverse population of high school students to careers in environmental science, interpretive services and the National Park System while providing additional staff support during peak summer months at Minute Man National Historical Park. "We have been very impressed by the students of Project Groundforce," commented Superintendent Nancy Nelson. "Their commitment to hard work, community service and their growing appreciation for the work of the National Park Service bodes well. The Park Service is always looking for promising young people to join in its work for the American people. And if this is not the career path they ultimately choose, we know the skills they have acquired will benefit any future career they do pursue." About the Walden Woods ProjectThe Walden Woods Project is a national conservation, education, and research organization committed to preserving the land, literature and legacy of Henry David Thoreau. Founded in 1990 by recording artist Don Henley, the organization uses the land it has protected in Walden Woods to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship and social responsibility, both cornerstones of Thoreau's philosophy. In 14 years, the Project has protected nearly 140 acres in and around Walden Woods and provided educational programming for hundreds of teachers, students, and life long learners. The Walden Woods Project also administers The Thoreau Institute, a research center near Walden Pond that houses the world’s foremost collection of Thoreau-related materials. About Minute Man National Historical ParkMinute Man National Historical Park was established by Congress in 1959. It preserves and interprets the historic structures, properties and landscapes associated with the opening battle of the American Revolution. Minute Man NHP also preserves and interprets The Wayside, home to several 19th century Concord authors who promoted the spirit of the Revolution through the creation of a unique American literary identity. The Park is one of 388 parks, historic sites, and monuments, seashores and memorials that comprise the National Park System. Over one million people visit the park annually making it the 6th largest tourist attraction in Massachusetts, which generates an annual economic impact of over $40 million. Notable features of the Park include: the Battle Road and the Battle Road Interpretive Trail, the North Bridge, Paul Revere Capture Site, Hartwell Tavern, and Daniel Chester French's Minute Man statue recognized worldwide as a global symbol of freedom. |
