Nicodemus Wilderness Project -- Global Registry of Apprentice Ecologists

"Teamwork makes the dream work". A super common expression, though this summer I saw it in action for the first time. I spent one week cleaning up a beach of trash and excess debris in a group of seven kids and two adults. Together, we accomplished so much more than we could have ever imagined.
That week, it was hot. And I mean HOT. The only avaliable food was uncrustables and chips for lunches. We were all tired. Believe it or not, but 6:00am alarm clocks and teenagers aren't a good mix. One day, it even downpoured. I had to use different sneakers the next day because my shoes were drenched. That being said, it was one of the most incredible weeks of my life.
The job was about helping the oceans by cleaning up the private beaches of a retreat home. Honestly, though, it wasn't the ultimately spotless beach that was the most memorable or impactful for me. It was the thanks that we received on our last day.
We were all sitting outside taking our lunch break. Every kid drank their choice of gatorade to try to get some energy back. We sat in the shade and told each other stories from out hometowns (everyone was from different states). Then, one of the people who owned the beach came out to talk to us. This was new, usually they just gave us directions and we went about our day. Anyway, this nun came over and told us how much our help meant to her and the other nuns living on the property. She told us that we had accomplished more than she had ever imagined, both for the environment and the people in the retreat center. (I guess we were like celebrities and everyone liked to watch us work and talk on the beach). She told us that she felt so blessed to have kids willing to give up their summer to help out.
This thanks was better energy than the gatorade could ever be. It made me feel so full and happy inside. It made me feel so grateful to have been able to help the ocean and people simultaneously. It made all of the gross food and early wakeups worth it.