All-Staff Gathering

Southwest Conservation Corps had its first all-staff gathering in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. This was the first time in the history of SCC that the gamut of SCC’s staff have gathered together in one location. The gathering was chosen to be held at Elephant Butte Lake State Park for its relative equal proximity to all four regions and its involvement with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). CCC constructed buildings, landscaping, roads and trails throughout the park from 1934-1940. SCC was modeled after CCC, thus it seemed quite fitting to huddle around a statue of  a CCC worker and pose for the camera.

The three-day gathering was comprised of activities that presented staff members with the opportunity to get to know each other, help improve effectiveness, efficiency and communication, and discuss SCC’s mission, namely how and why we do what we do. SCC’s partner Western Hardrock Watershed Team (WHWT) was also in attendance. The gathering was capped off with a talent show, and an awards ceremony commemorating staff members who have been with SCC for five to ten years.

I think the pilot all-staff gathering was a great success. SCC is staffed by many kind and talented people. Being able to lightheartedly chat and joke with other staff members, whom I don’t regularly see, imparted to me a sense of family that is shared throughout the SCC. I walked away from the gathering feeling refreshed about what I do, confident about SCC’s future, and impressed at our readiness to help and connect with one another.

~Jonathan Barczyk,VISTA~