COLORADO — Forest Service International Programs recently hosted its first-ever regional study tour dedicated to youth programming. Youth Conservation Corps leaders from Morocco, Egypt and Lebanon gathered in Denver and Salida, Colorado, for a week of activities dedicated to building community, sharing practices from each other’s youth programs and learning from Colorado-based youth program practitioners.

Participants reported that they gained valuable perspectives and helpful methodologies for improving youth programming where they work.

“I went into the study tour with questions on how to keep the youth committed, and how to build trust with them. I can confidently say that the study tour answered both questions,” said Youssra Biare, a participant from Morocco and current program manager at the High Atlas Foundation, “Seeing the success stories and the methodologies used from all the organizations we visited, gave me ideas about activities, skills, and new ways to engage Moroccan participants.”

Participants started the week off in Denver, where they met Forest Service International Program staff and leaders from the AmeriCorps NCC program, Environmental Learning for Kids and Mile High Youth Corps. They learned about the models for each program and discussed the impact that the programs have had on participants and those close to them. Toward the middle of the week, study tour participants traveled outside of Denver to the picturesque town of Salida, where they learned about how YCC programs in the rural U.S. are preparing youth for jobs in the environmental sector.

Many of the study tour participants were familiar with Forest Service International Programs but not the larger work of the Forest Service domestic program. The Salida Ranger District group graciously invited the  group for a barbecue, took them on a hike and shared their work in fire, livestock management and youth engagement. The study tour group loved it.

“Today I look at the program [High Atlas in Morocco] as a life-changing experience that will give the youth a platform to exist, build and strengthen their personal and professional capacities, create lifetime friendships and a career evolution, broadening their horizons and knowledge,” said Biare.

Participants ended the week discussing lessons learned over soul food at the iconic Denver restaurant Nola Jane and making plans for intra-regional training sessions, Middle East and Africa-based study tours, and opportunities for collaboration.