Thanks to Tessa Hardcastle, Braelyn Komarek and their peers in Barton County Youth Crew, numerous local entities have someone they can call on when they need volunteers for community events.
Youth Crew is a coalition of young people in grades 6-12 that gives members a voice in creating change and influencing local and state government decisions.
Under the umbrella of Juvenile Services, it is a youth-led group that focuses on the prevention of substance use and service to the community.
Events and agencies that have benefitted from Hardcastle’s and Komarek’s volunteer efforts include: highway-trash pickup and other clean-up jobs; a Wolf Hotel gathering; Trail of Lights; filling Easter eggs for Great Bend Rec; United Way’s Stuff the Bus; gardening with Communities Organizing to Promote Equity; clearing a storage area at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce; Ellinwood After Harvest Festival; and Ellinwood Elementary End-of-Year Carnival.
“It’s important for Youth Crew to support other groups because it helps us raise awareness about what we do,” said Hardcastle, a Great Bend High School sophomore. “It also helps youth understand that too often it is only adults helping with events – even when the events are for young people.
“Most people appreciate our efforts and are touched by our willingness to contribute. They applaud us for doing good things rather than sitting at home stuck to our electronic devices.”
When Hardcastle encourages other young people to consider Youth Crew, “I present all its positive attributes because it usually touches them to know that our generation is out there trying to make an impact. It also means a lot to older generations because they like to see us taking some responsibility off them and putting it on us.”
Hardcastle mentioned other positive benefits of Youth Crew. “It has taught me responsibility, given me public-speaking skills and allowed me to be involved with important initiatives. I am better at planning and organizing, and am learning how to be a better leader.”
Komarek, another Great Bend High School sophomore, noted that “it is important for us to support other community groups to help spread the word about Youth Crew and what we do. It is also helpful to get youth involved in these volunteer projects instead of solely relying on adults.
“Youth Crew is helping me prepare for adulthood. For example, it has helped me with my public-speaking skills and to build upon my leadership skills. I am also more organized and able to plan better.”
Komarek encourages others to get involved in Youth Crew because it is better “to get out and get involved, and do something as opposed to sitting around wasting time and energy.”
It is also rewarding to hear positive feedback from the groups Youth Crew supports. “They are thankful for the help and say that it is sweet to see youth involved in the community.”
Tyler Morton
Tyler Morton, Juvenile Services prevention advocate and Youth Crew organizer, said “anytime there is an opportunity to help another organization, we want to get involved in any way we can. We are happy to help with just about anything.”
This could include setting up and tearing down at events, beautification and art projects, school celebrations and business showcases.
“These opportunities build camaraderie and let other groups know that we see them and appreciate the work they do. Also, helping others builds positive character traits that are important today and later in life.
“When young people demonstrate they are willing to get out and help for the common good, they move the needle for others who might want to participate now or in the future.”
Any civic group, church, other non-profit, business or school that could use some volunteers is encouraged to contact Morton by calling 620-793-1930 or emailing tmorton@bartoncounty.org.
20th Judicial District Juvenile Services empowers youth in Barton, Rice, Ellsworth, Stafford and Russell counties to achieve positive outcomes by offering Juvenile Intake & Assessment, Immediate Intervention, Intensive Supervised Probation, Case Management, Journey to Change, Life Skills, All Stars and Youth Crew. Parents and guardians also are offered The Parent Project. Visit 1800 12th in Great Bend or call 620-793-1930.
