Summer work experience for teens with Virginia State Parks

Applications are being accepted through April 14 for two three-week summer sessions of the Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC).

The program will be held June 22 to July 12 and July 20 to Aug. 9.

Teams of eight to 10 participants will be chosen from current high school students ages 14 to 17 (participants must be 14 by June 1). Applicants must demonstrate an interest in protecting Virginia’s environment.

While no prior experience is necessary, participants will work outside, and the service is physically demanding. A positive attitude, an interest in learning, curiosity about interpreting nature, and the physical ability and desire to work outdoors are also important factors in the selection process.

YCC participants help with assorted park projects, including wildlife and fisheries habitat improvement, trail and campground construction and restoration, timber and shoreline improvement, and landscape beautification.

YCC crew members are provided room, board, T-shirts and equipment. They receive a $500 stipend at the end of the three weeks.

The YCC is modeled after the federal service program AmeriCorps and the depression era Civilian Conservation Corps that built the original six Virginia State Parks, according to the news release.

For more information about the YCC program, visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/youth-conservation-corps.shtml call 703-583 5497 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation will notify selected participants via e-mail by May 1, the release said.