Mechanics in the Shop

Right now, we are at the shop at Canosa beginning our training to prepare us for getting on the construction site. The mechanics have learned a lot over the last three weeks and we wanted to share our new skills with you!

Things we now know how to do:

• How to build a little house, complete with window, a door and a roof.
• How to read a tape measure.
• How to identify tools and use them.

• How to use a worm drive and circular saw.
• Use construction terms.
• Learned construction process by visiting Red Rocks.

Along with working and learning, we had a lot of fun playing games that had to do with construction and competition.

~Devon Martinez and Scottie Gomes, YouthBuild ‘12

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From the Roads of Life Brings the Class of 2012…

For most of this program there have been a lot of factors to bring this class together. Through The Life maps Activity, we shared our own personal experiences and discovered that we have a lot more in common then we knew. This shared experience helped us see and relate to what other team members have been through.

Over 40 people were selected from many applicants; we had gained a chance to show what we were made of in Mental Toughness. PT was one that would push us to limits many didn’t know they could meet. During this time, we received CPR/First Aid Training to show them we were ready for emergencies. In addition, we learned the steps to having a safe job/construction site through OSHA Training. After Mental Toughness we 36 stand strong ready to make ourselves and our communities better.

Since we’ve begun this program, we have been dividing our time between shop and school. Out of those selected, we’ve been divided into The Youthbuild groups of The Artisans and The Mechanics. These groups alternate between the shop and the classroom. Every week we’re either in the classroom working toward our GED or in the shop working on our construction skills. Now with all that we have gained and will be gaining, we are ready to pull through the program, with our GED and all the skill we have gathered. One step more ready for life despite the highs and lows (more highs hopefully)!
~TeQuael Walker, YouthBuild CorpsMember ’12

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Celebrate Halloween with MHYC at Wunder-Kammer!

Here at Mile High Youth Corps, Halloween is a big deal! We’re already thinking about how to celebrate the holiday this year, with Corpsmembers preparing for Boo-Yah (a full-on haunted house and party at our Headquarters) and animated conversations in the office about who will win this year’s prize for best costume. We’re even taking the festivities to a new level by adding a spooky twist to our annual fall fundraising event, introducing Wunder-Kammer. I’m sure you’re wondering, “What the heck is Wunder-Kammer?”

MHYC's Brigid McRaith, Director of Programs and Kelly Causey, Executive Director celebrate Halloween at Boo-Yah in 2010

The name “Wunder-kammer” is a German word meaning “wonder room” or a cabinet of curiosities. Popular in the 16th century, cabinet of curiosities describes rooms filled with objects related to natural history (sometimes faked), geology, ethnography, archaeology, religious or historical relics, works of art and antiquities. While these cabinets were similar to modern-day museums, one of their distinguishing characteristics was the undefined categorical boundaries of the collections on display. Our take on this concept will be to present a MHYC-themed cabinet of curiosities, highlighting how MHYC helps youth create their own world of curiosity and marvel – a future with no boundaries where the possibilities seem infinite!

Of course, themes are great, but the kicker is that Wunder-Kammer takes place at a real haunted house. The Croke-Patterson-Campbell Mansion in Denver’s Capitol Hill is one of the most famous haunted mansions in Denver.

The Croke-Patterson-Campbell Mansion in Denver's Capitol Hill will be the venue for Wunder-Kammer, MHYC's 2011 fall fundraising event.

As a guest of Wunder-Kammer, you’ll have the unique opportunity to visit this historic house while supporting the Corps! For the most curious and adventurous, you can even participate in a ghost hunt, led by Spirit Paranormal Investigators.

Wunder-Kammer
Date and Time: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 6-9pm
Location: The Croke-Patterson-Campbell Mansion at 420 E. 11th Avenue in Denver
Tickets: $50, available online at http://www.milehighyouthcorps.org/myhc-events
Featuring: Seasonal fare, rare and delectable wines, and the opportunity to experience one of Denver’s most famous haunted mansions. Creative or casual attire welcome.
Ghost hunt: Add a ghost hunt with Spirit Paranormal Investigators for just $20. Ghost hunt takes place from 9-10pm.

See you on October 26th!

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