Summer conservation work for students ages 14-17; April 15 deadline to apply

Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) will accept applications until April 15 from students ages 14-17 interested in protecting Virginia’s environment.  Work on a crew with other teens for three weeks,  June 21 to July 11 or July 19 to Aug. 8.

Teams of eight to 10 participants will be chosen. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in protecting Virginia’s environment. 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 considered.

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

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. 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.

For more information about the YCC program, visit http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/youth-conservation-corps.shtml call 804-887-8933 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Crew members for 2015 will be notified by May 1 via email.