Highlands Project ~ PROJECTS

Highlands includes an education component into the work of community service. While not all of the work done at Highlands will teach vocational skills, Warren County History or environmental awareness, it is Highland's goal that each youth worker leave with new knowledge and skills. It is our intention to monitor participant behavior and work output. The completion of one type of job in a satisfactory manner would lead to more complex and rewarding work and other opportunities within the project. This is the reason for the division of the activities into "phases". The design is that completion of a set number of hours in one phase would lead to the promotion into a more desirable position. The "phases" that follow are a general idea only, as the needs and situation of each participant would be of uppermost consideration.

Work Activities of the Project

I. Park land and Environmental

A. Phase one: Woodland and Park development and Maintenance

clearing brush
trail construction and maintenance
cutting grass, trimming bushes
Litter and trash duty

B. Phase two: Construction Projects

picnic tables and benches
picnic pavilions and shelters
exercise trails
interpretive trails
wildlife photography and viewing blinds

C. Phase three: Educational Projects

photographic displays
ecological interpretive signage
arboretum identification

II. Warren County Historical Learning Center

A. Phase One: Physical Plant Construction and Maintenance

janitorial work to include sweeping, washing, cleaning
painting

B. Phase Two: Vocational Construction and Training

Framing
electrical work
plumbing, heating
interior finish inc.; wall board, spackling, trim

C. Phase Three: Museum Development

museum model building
display development
content and presentation development
interpretive tour guide training

III. Other projects with Community Service Partners:

We will seek to enter into collaborative partnerships with other community service providers in Warren County, such as:

Musconetcong Watershed Association
Township Municipal Alliances
Local Police
Municipal Park and Recreation committees
Warren County and Township Historical Societies
Friends of the Morris Canal Warren County
Police Dog Training
Habitat For Humanity

Educational Activities of the Project

While the major function of the project is to develop a work ethic in the participants through real and meaningful projects, education curriculum will be interwoven throughout all the phases of the project. The basic curricular aspects are:

I. Environmental

A. Botany Study w/ Identification

Tree types and uses
edible and useful plants
ornamental and useful plantings

B. Ecological studies
C. Photography

II. Adventure Based Counseling

A. Action Socialization Experiences
B. Ropes Courses
C. Outdoor Skills Classes

camping
canoeing

III Vocational

A. Construction

electrical and lighting
framing and woodworking
wallboard and spackling

B. Computers

building and repairing
usage and internet

IV. Historical and Cultural

A. Model building
B. Historical content and interpretation
C. Artifact display