YMCA Earth Service Corps (YESC) Coordinator

Full-time student at Temple University and part-time rock star.

“BQ” has worked for UMLY’s Environmental Education Center for six years and is known for his enthusiasm for the outdoors and teaching. He has led UMLY nature camps onsite, at Valley Forge National Park, and eco-trips to state parks, wildlife refuges, and state forests throughout the region. He teaches elementary school environmental outreach programs and has participated in numerous wildlife surveys. He has competed in four World Series of Birding competitions and now leads YESC service projects and trips. A decorated Eagle Scout, BQ has embarked on numerous overnight trips with Boy Scouts. As a student, he has also participated on UMLY trips to Rocky Mountain National Park and New Hampshire’s White Mountains and was a member of YESC for five years. BQ plays guitar and has toured throughout North America with various bands.

Laura Yayac

Environmental Education Instructor

B.S. Natural Resource Management-University of Delaware

As an accomplished trip leader for the Upper Main Line YMCA, Laura has led travel camps that have included backpacking the Appalachian Trail and sailing Lake George in the Adirondacks. While working at the YMCA the last three years, Laura has taught elementary and middle school students and has led YMCA Earth Service Corps trips to the Catskill Mountains. She has worked for the Water Resources Agency at University of Delaware and the Delaware Nature Society. Laura recently returned from an expedition to Patagonia and Antarctica with the University of Delaware.

Brian Raicich

Senior Program Director

B.S. Environmental Resource Management - Penn State University

Masters of Environmental Pollution Control - Penn State University

Brian has worked for the Upper Main Line YMCA for fourteen years, involved with the summer camps, teen programs, sports, community outreach, and environmental education. In 1998, Brian began UMLY’s Environmental Education Center and programming, which has included school group instruction, numerous environmental travel camps and programs, and the YMCA Earth Service Corps. Brian has countless hours in the field and on the trails teaching students in ecology and wildlife programs. He has led numerous trips to Rocky Mountain National Park, New Hampshire’s White Mountains, and has coached ten youth teams in the World Series of Birding, three of which won the National Championship. Brian also worked as an environmental scientist for five years, conducting wetland projects and wildlife surveys.