In Del Norte County, the majority of our work is locally led in partnership with community-based organizations, although some projects will focus on typical SSP home repairs such as ramps, porches, stairs, awnings, painting, and other general home repairs. No construction experience is needed, and you’ll be amazed at all of the work that your youth teams complete! Most projects take longer to complete than your week at SSP so you may see the beginning, middle, or end of a project.

Community-Based Projects: We are thrilled about the community partnership opportunities arising for SSP’s summer program this year!

Volunteers will rotate through community-based projects, many of which have an environmental focus. These include forest thinning and blackberry bush removal with Elk Valley Rancheria, invasive species removal with the Tolowa Dunes Stewards, and working in the community gardens across Del Norte County. So many enthusiastic partners make for a robust service-learning experience for volunteers!

Adventure Day: Each week the full group volunteers with Tolowa Dunes Stewards on Adventure Day to remove invasive European beach grass which threatens the livelihood of native plants and animals. Youth learn about biodiversity and the importance of habitat for bees and other pollinators for the food system. The day begins with a one-mile hike to Tolowa Dunes State Park. Teams are encouraged to dig up the longest root (think 6 feet long!) and to make the largest pile of grass. The day is complete with lunch on the beach before heading to the Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park for the afternoon to swim in the Smith River, hike to Stout Grove, and BBQ.

About the Community

What are the prevailing needs in Del Norte County?

• Support for environmental conservation efforts

• Plentiful hands to aide with community-led initiatives

• Low-income residents in need of otherwise costly home repairs

What does Del Norte County have to offer?

• Low summer temperatures and a cold coastal climate

• Redwoods National & State Parks

• Strong commitment to sustainability and Indigenous food sovereignty

Who is a good fit to volunteer at this location?

• Anyone is welcome!

• Groups and individuals looking for projects with community-based organizations

• Volunteers interested in the intersection of environmental justice and its impact on Indigenous communities

• Volunteers expecting faith programming included in the week

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In general, here is what you can expect for the daily schedule:

• 6:30 AM: Wake up

• 7:00 AM: Morning reflection (optional)

• 7:30 AM: Breakfast

• 8:00 AM: Community service opportunities (cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, etc.).

• 8:30 AM: Service-learning activities

• Noon: Lunch at work site

• 3:30 PM: Return to host facility; shower & free time

• 5:00 PM: Staff/adult counselor meeting to discuss plans for the next 24 hours

• 5:45 PM: Dinner

• 6:30 PM: Community service opportunities (cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, etc.)

• 7:00 PM: Song time & program

• 8:30 PM: Free time & preparing for bed

• 9:00 PM: Evening reflection (optional) led by a work team

• 10:00 PM: Lights out