Fin MacDonald

I spent the last three days doing orientation and training for the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps. I will be working with the NSYCC on assignment with ThermalWise for the next two months doing green building research. Training camp took place at Acadia University in Wolfville. I was impressed with how many other people they employ. There are at least 50 others working on various environmental projects throughout the province. I found some crews who have work that relates to mine and we will be collaborating over the summer. I travelled up with Laura Hayes, who is my crew partner on the ThermalWise project, as well as Adam Hayter and Megan Borden who are working together with the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities.

Training included a full day of first aid as well as an introduction to WHMIS and occupational health and safety. We also did several team building exercises and got to know one another. Lil MacPherson from the Wooden Monkey Restaurant in Halifax gave a spectacular presentation on global warming and the impacts it will have on our food supply. She taked extensively about sustainable food and why it is so important. This is of particular interest to me because it represents one of the credits in the LEED Operations and Maintenance certification.

The weekend wasn’t all work and no play. We managed to find time for a trip to the local swimming hole on White Rock Road and had some group musical jam sessions as well.

At the end of the summer we will get back together and present on our projects to each other. I’m really excited to see how everyone makes out.

Megan, Adam, Laura, and myself on the first day of training camp.

Group jam session led by Mr. Mustard.