Winter Adventurer and Youth in Action Aim to Inspire Students

Make a Difference Conference Held at the DECC Today

Duluth, Minn. — A backpacker from Duluth spoke to students in Duluth today about how they can impact the environment.

Emily Ford is passionate about introducing people to the outdoors in safe and healthy ways. She was the first woman to thru-hike Wisconsin’s 1,200-mile Ice Age Scenic Trail in winter.Youth in Action, a group focused on the positive change young people can make in their communities, put on the event. Program Organizer Tyler Erickson said YIA can impact not only the environment, but the students’ lives as well.

“Connection is a big thing, a sense of community and belonging is another one,” Erickson said. “Just having something where they can all come together, collaborate, have fun, get together, that’s the most important thing here.”

Groups will meet weekly to work on projects in their schools, inspired by the ones they see today. At Hibbing High School, junior Drea Madich said students created a room to provide, school supplies, food, and more to classmates in need.

“I think this conference is just a great opportunity to spread the word,” said Madich. “Our presentation right now is about our Room of Requirements and I know not a lot schools have a Room of Requirements. I think it’s a great way to spread the word on things that can help other students in the schools.”

Throughout the day, students learned about invasive species, sustainable fashion, and even tried out Zumba.