Twenty-eight Greenwich teens looked with pride at the 12 trees the Greenwich Youth Conservation Program (GYCP) has planted at Bible Street Park this summer. These teens, and 84 others, chose to spend two weeks of their summer working with the Greenwich Youth Conservation Program. The GYCP is a public-private partnership that offers local 14- and 15-year-olds a summer job opportunity while promoting “a greener Greenwich.” GYCP teens plant trees and gardens and remove invasive vegetation at public parks and properties throughout Greenwich each summer. Their work teaches the teens practical employment skills while it benefits community residents and businesses. “I love it! It’s awesome!” said a park neighbor who cheered on the teens and later brought trays of watermelon that were devoured with equal enthusiasm on this hot summer day.
The GYCP, which is administered by the Greenwich Departments of Human Services and Parks and Recreation, has grown tremendously since its founding 39 years ago. Today, more than 150 teens interview for the 112 available two-week shifts with the GYCP. They work mornings and receive skills training from guest speakers during afternoons. Sponsors and private donors make it possible for each teen to receive a stipend for their work. Dinora Hernandez, a past participant who has been a GYCP supervisor for five years explains the program’s appeal. “The teens get a chance to meet people from all over town. They learn about responsibility, teamwork and other skills that help them create future success.”
Bible Street Park now enjoys 20 trees planted by the GYCP in recent years, including four varieties of oaks, ginkgoes, lilacs and plum trees. Other GYCP work sites this summer include the Glenville Green, Glenville School, Tod’s Point Park, Pemberwick Park, Byram Park, Parkway School and Grass Island. “People do get excited when they see a GYCP work crew in their neighborhood,” says Program Director Christina Nappi. “It’s a win-win situation. The teens appreciate the opportunity to learn and grow, and they see what can be accomplished through hard work. And everyone benefits because we make Greenwich more beautiful.”
