Bulletin for August 28, 2025
Featured Speaker: Sonia Tayler & Ramon
Mile High Youth Corps — Building the Next Generation Through Conservation and Service
OPENING
Introductions were made including a fill-in vice president (a first for the club — ‘we miss Kevin!’), Sonia Taylor as guest speaker, and Paul (Executive Director and creator of the Church Voter Guide). Kaya Golden and Ramon from COS were also welcomed. Skip led the prayer and Larry led the Pledge.
“Your integrity is the most valuable asset you have. Never jeopardize it.”
— Robert M. Patterson, United States Army Medal of Honor
CLUB BUSINESS
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Storage Unit: Marti reported a $10/month increase from the board meeting.
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Sleep in Heavenly Peace: Sign-up sheet circulated. Venue is difficult to find.
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Photos: If you need club photos, contact Dalton — he screens photos before uploading to Google Drive.
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Sheriff’s Party: Fun was had. Another police class is planned for the fall.
FIELD TRIPS
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Wasson Academic Campus (Sept. 18): Sign-up list circulated. Chaim Goldman, Executive Producer of Salem News and host of Peak News, will discuss the high school journalism program. Lunch afterward at Mackenzie’s.
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Harrison School District 2: Planning a visit to tour facilities and have lunch with students.
KEYNOTE: MILE HIGH YOUTH CORPS
Sonia introduced herself as a service officer at Mile High Youth Corps — an organization focused on training, conservation, and developing the next generation of leaders. She has been with Mile High for three years, managing and coordinating programs. The $1,000 she earned over three years enabled her to be the first in her family to attend college.
Program Activities
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Chainsaw use and wildfire mitigation
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Anti-invasive vegetation (anti-AV) application
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Park maintenance, monument work, and trail service
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Three-day, 12-hour training sessions; every project concludes with a ‘ready plan’
Recruitment and Demographics
75% of youth participants come from Mile High’s local community; 25% come from elsewhere. Recruitment is relationship-based and trust-driven.
Geographic Scope
The program covers 25 counties, operating on public lands. The farthest west location was Salida; the farthest south was Trinidad (requiring travel through New Mexico to reach campsites). Contracted by GOKA and majority-funded through AmeriCorps.
Leadership Development
Term limits are four terms (or four summers) — or two summers in a leadership position. Stories of transformation were powerful: one formerly disengaged participant became a lead and now works in Wyoming after his third year. The program hired 18 people this year.
Wildlife Safety
Participants receive training on wildlife safety. Sonia reported rarely encountering wildlife — only three distant bear sightings and one distant snake. A memorable story: a director used a chainsaw’s loud revving to deter a black bear.