2014 YES! Fall Summit - Youth Eco Solutions

*Students explored various aspects of energy issues and opportunities during the YES! Fall Summit 2014 at Prairie Woods ELC including this student from DREAM Academy in Willmar*

Over 170 students and teachers from 15 schools throughout southwest, west-central and central Minnesota gathered at Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center on October 22nd for the eighth annual YES! Fall Summit. This year’s Summit provided a variety of energy-related experiences around the theme Explore. Excite. Engage. Throughout the day, students were able to connect with their peers, resource experts, and information to position themselves for success as they prepare to engage in team-based projects that not only lead to dramatic demonstrations of renewable energy technology and conservation practices, but also build student skills like problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and project management.

Rotating through two morning breakout sessions, students participated in a Projects, Posters, and Planning activity and a session on Community Connections and Communications. The Projects, Posters and Planning session happened quickly but produced cool results. The teams created posters in 15 minutes that depicted their past projects. Teams then had the opportunity to explore the posters made by each of the other teams and ask questions. Using sticky notes posted directly on other team’s past project posters students identified questions, suggestions, and potential collaborations with other team projects. It was great to see the students become the experts on their own projects while presenting to other teams. In the end teams left the session with their own future project poster and connections that will make accomplishing that project fun!

*YES! students utilizing communication and bravery skills at the 2014 Fall Summit at Prairie Woods ELC*

During the Community Connections & Communications session students explored and mapped their existing community networks to develop a better understanding of the assets and resources available to them. Teams then got a chance to hone their communications skills by identifying media and outreach opportunities and practicing an “elevator speech”. The session finished with a riveting round of the Game of Sustainable Futures, in which teams authored and shared creative stories of successful projects in the face of outrageous, random scenarios.

After the morning sessions, students had lunch with local resource experts and spent time outside on the challenge courses. During their lunch with experts, students munched on foods produced primarily by local farmers. After they ate they had the chance to speak to experts from around the state on topics related to their projects. Students were completely engaged while listening to these professionals and brainstorming how to make their projects better. Meanwhile, outside, students worked on team building skills while participating in the Flying Squirrel, the climbing wall, and playing initiative games. The laughs and squeals of joy could be heard all around as students helped each other reach new heights while learning to communicate successfully. It was great to see so many students try new things and build strong bonds with their fellow teammates.

Teams left filled with energy, inspiration, and ideas for energy-related projects to tackle in their schools and communities this school year!

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