Reflection on FSYC Summer 2026:
The inaugural Northeast Forest Stewards Youth Corps season has ended, and the participants have returned to school and their daily lives. As autumn’s cool air signals the close of summer, I’ve found myself reflecting on the remarkable season we shared with the Penobscot Nation and the Forest Stewards Guild. The following letter captures some of those reflections and celebrates all that this extraordinary group accomplished.
To our first NE Forest Stewards Youth Corp, Summer 26’ Kaden, Kat, Keith, and Nora,
From day one, each of you brought your own personality, strengths, and energy to the team, and together you created something truly special. I can honestly say that I couldn’t have asked for a better crew. Your willingness to learn, your resilience when things got tough, and your unmatched work ethic inspired me every single day.
I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been your crew leader this summer. Watching you grow in confidence, develop new skills, overcome challenges, and support one another has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. While I was there to help guide and teach, the truth is that I learned a lot from all of you as well. Your determination, humor, and ability to keep pushing forward reminded me why this work matters.
What I’ll remember most isn’t just the projects we completed, but the conversations, the laughs, the challenges we worked through together, and the sense of camaraderie that grew throughout the season. Those are memories I’ll carry with me for a long time.
