What happens when you pit four crews against each other?

Things get heated.

Every year, Conservation Legacy’s Southeast Conservation Corps hosts their ‘All Corps Day’, on an afternoon following a summer hitch where all the crews in the field meet up for games, prizes, and good times. In 2018, crews celebrated at Lula Lake Land Trust’s preserve just outside Chattanooga, TN. Tug of war, water balloon tosses, and races were held, and pizza and snacks were provided. It’s SECC’s way of thanking crews for all their hard work, and it also helps develop and deepen relationships with local businesses–nearly all the prizes were donated by Chattanooga restaurants and stores.

The bonds each crew had formed throughout their season translated into fierce competitiveness during the games. SECC Program Director Brenna Kelly even chucked a few fastball pitches during the water balloon battle. The yellow team claimed first in the end, but all participants won prizes regardless. The crews wrapped up the day by hiking out to Lula Falls, planning their off-hitch adventures along the way. Whether hiking in the Smokies, fishing in one of the nearby rivers, or simply relaxing until the next hitch, SECC crews certainly know how to enjoy a Tennessee summer.

Experience some of the competition in this short video: (be warned, you might want to turn your volume down!)

Visit southeastconservationcorps.org to learn more and apply today!