Building Description:

The work crew will create an outdoor classroom ‘pergola’ for the students of Ridge and Valley Charter School. A pergola is an outdoor shade structure that consists of a patio enclosed in wood beams, rafters, and lattice that support vines. The proposed pergola will be made of sustainably, locally harvested cedar logs. It will have a rustic look to it. The logs will not be scraped allowing the beautiful cedar bark to strip off over time and giving the pergola the look of being alive. The pergola will be planted with flowering and edible vines and will have a gravel floor and wooden benches and tables inside.

Building Partners:
John Hall, Barko Building – lead builder, building instructor (3days/week x 3 weeks)
Ron Hornung, Stonewood Gardens – supplemental instructor, design mentor (2days/week x 3 weeks)
Ridge and Valley Charter School – building site.
Green Quest Farm – donating cedar logs & hardwoods.
Brett McLain, Freehand Custom Carvings – local chainsaw carver.
Dick Plog, portable sawmill owner & operator – felling logs and milling lumber.
Ken Teut, owner Teuters Fencing – transporting wood.

Funding Partners:
Green Quest Farm – donation of cedar logs and hardwoods.
Ridge and Valley Learning Circles – research and obtain donations for other building supplies/materials.
Ridge and Valley Charter School – payment of architect and permitting fees, loan of gardening tools planting tree nursery and vines, donation of tree tubes for tree nursery.
Youth Services Provider – crew chief & participants; contributions as possible: payment of staff wages,program insurance, crew member stipends, and loan of 16-passenger van for transportation.
Princeton-Blairstown Center – provide food, lodging, and experiential ed services at a discounted rate.

 

Curriculum Philosophy – Serve. Educate. Regenerate

The Green Collar Futures Green Building Pilot sets both individual participants and the entire group up for success by providing a structure that is challenging, meaningful, and supportive. GCF presents participants with key learning experiences that support intellectual and personal growth, nurturing a new generation of innovative change-makers.

Service-Learning = turning learning into action, turning frustration/low self-esteem into empowerment. Regenerative Community = respect, open communication, community support, personal responsibility. Personal Responsibility = clear expectations & boundaries, support when needed Medium: Each crew member will spend 2 days as assistant crew chief—being responsible for maintaining time sheets, calling and closing breaks, leading opening/closing circle, etc. Integration of Learning Experiences = self- reflection,sharing w/crew/family/community Media: Daily journal w/ crew chief feedback each weekend; crew member individual project (5-10 minute presentation to entire crew on anything from proper tool maintenance and use to applications of green building principles), “Knowledge Share’ during graduation day / family and community members.	Personal Engagement = meaningful, challenging, stimulating work; letting the crew lead the worksite as much as possible. “Standing in Your Greatness” = self- recognition of strengths, working through problems, developing strengths, finding your voice. Work-Ready Environment = alcohol & substance free environment while at camp and at work, well rested and well nourished, attitude is ready to work/participate, respectful to others and property. Full-cycle projects = understanding connections, respect for ‘triple bottom line’ (i.e. people, economy, earth), taking project from start to finish. Pride in craftsmanship = high quality work, spending time and being present during work, seeing things through to the end. More… ?

Post-Service Placements

Green Collar Futures will work closely with Youth Services Provider to guide crew members into challenging, meaningful, and supportive post-service placements. Typical placements include internships, employment, and further training via college, trade school, and/or AmeriCorps. It is our hope that graduates of GCF will be more ready and willing to try new, challenging experiences in work, service, and education… be it an AmeriCorps program in another state or a leadership role in their community.

Curriculum Accreditation & Endorsement

Green Collar Futures will seek letters of endorsement and support for our curriculum from state educational organizations, such as Rutgers Cooperative Extension and NJIT. We have already received an endorsement from AmeriCorps Alums, the national leader for AmeriCorps alumni activity, Doug Cohen of the National Youth Initiative, US Partnership, Education for Sustainable Redevelopment, as well as numerous regional sustainable businesses, youth services providers, and outdoor education centers.

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