Making Moves
Two Corpsmembers on the Global Corps Patagonia crew use their hand tools to move a rock as part of a trail project.
Joining the CCC opens up a world of opportunity, just ask our Global Corps crew! After a competitive application process, eight Corpsmembers were selected for an opportunity of a lifetime; they’re spending six weeks in Chile, maintaining and restoring the trail network in Torres Del Paine National Park.
“You’ll never know what you can achieve unless you take the leap and go for it,” said Ukiah Center Corpsmember Jo Funk.
“I never thought I would be hiking on glaciers,” added Alex Zamorano from the Delta Center, “but the first step I took was applying.”
Stepping into the Unknown
Corpsmembers explore and ice cave (left) and hike on a glacier with crampons attached to their feet (right).
Sponsored with funding from the CCC Foundation, the crew is widening trails, re-routing sections, and adding tread to the world-renowned O Circuit. Through this experience, the crew is also immersing themselves in the local culture and landscape.
“As we build trails the trails build us,” said Inland Empire Corpsmember and Backcountry Alumni Madelyn Leho.
Hiking through Patagonia’s forests and scrublands, Corpsmembers are learning about a variety of endemic plants unique to the region! A personal favorite? Berberis Microphylla.
“It’s known locally as Calafate,” said Los Padres Corpsmember Reed Hammock. “The rangers told us that those who eat it are destined to return to Patagonia.”
Exploring Nature
Calafate berries hang from a branch (left) in Torres Del Paine National Park in Chile (sign pictured on the right).
Though it’s summertime in the southern hemisphere, the ground is also packed with snow & ice, including the 6-km wide Grey Glacier. It’s a pretty cool experience for the crew and they couldn’t be happier working alongside local partners despite the chilly weather.
“Solo llegaran mas rapido, juntos llegaran mas lejos,” said Zamorano. “Alone you’ll get there quicker, together you’ll go father.”
Restoring heavily trafficked trails in Patagonia enables these young adults to increase their communication skills, cultural awareness, and adaptability. This experience is also enabling people from all over the globe to safely access incredible scenery and develop deeper connections to our shared planet. It’s a one-of-a-kind journey full of impact!
A Cool Experience
Corpsmembers take a picture of Grey Glacier at sunset (left). This location is near one of the CCC project sites. Corpsmembers are working in the snow (right), rain, and sun during their six weeks in Patagonia.
