Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

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While working on a volunteer project in DC, I met a college student who is a former Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) member. Her expression lit up as she told me about her service and how much she loved it.

Since I’m currently serving as an AmeriCorps member at Shenandoah River State Park, I related to her enthusiasm. However, I wondered, “Why would a high school student want to give up a large portion of their summer break?” “Do they get anything out of it?” and “What projects are the YCC members working on in my park?”  

One hot, stifling, and muggy afternoon, I set out to find answers.

The YCC crew at Shenandoah River State Park is comprised of ten female high school students and three college age leaders. They come from as far away as Tennessee, Danville, and King and Queen County.

YCC crew members removed downed tree branches

YCC crew members removed downed tree branches 

Despite the heat, humidity, and insects, the crew was hard at work when I found them.

First, I asked the crew members why they chose to apply for and serve in the YCC. The answers varied as much as the crew members’ personalities. One crew member said that it met the volunteer requirements she needed for National Honors Society. Another crew member, Sarah, answered that she wanted to be a park ranger and liked being outside. A third crew member, Lauren, explained, “I wanted to help the environment, contribute to the community, and make the world a better place. When I come back, my parents say that I’m a different person… better from having served. Serving in the YCC improves who you are.”

Watch the crew complete a project to add river access

In addition to the fence they were rebuilding when I spoke with them, the crew has completed a river access point, improved Cullers and River Trails, built bluebird boxes, and picked up trash from difficult to access points in the Shenandoah River.

Finally, I asked the crew members, “What do you get from serving in the YCC?”

Taylor-Jean said that she researched Junior Ranger positions where she lived and there weren’t many opportunities. The YCC gives her the chance to get a behind the scenes look at Virginia State Parks and see if she'd like to be a park ranger. Lauren and Sarah both agreed that finishing a project gives them a feeling of accomplishment. They feel good knowing they made a positive impact. Everyone I spoke with acknowledged they gained teamwork and leadership skills through their service.

 

With assistance from a park ranger, YCC crews replace a storm damaged fence.

With assistance from a park ranger, YCC crews replace a storm damaged fence. 

I was in awe of and humbled by the crew members with whom I had the opportunity to speak. The world, the environment, and, in particular, Virginia State Parks will be in good hands in the future.

Editor's note: The Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps offers two three week long residential sessions each summer in our state parks across the state. Youth age 14-17 are invited to apply and the application process begins in January. We also recruit leaders who are sophomores in College or older and that recruitment is ongoing. Find out more.

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If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

COMMENTS

Martin Brown (August 08, 2016 06:49:49 AM): What a difference these schemes make to the community, the environment and to the lives of the young people involved. It is great to see young people engaged outdoors, helping protect the environment and improve their lives. These schemes should certainly be extended across the nation and in other countries, too.

stone (July 12, 2016 04:27:54 AM): Making a big difference.

Virginia State Parks (July 09, 2016 07:41:16 PM): Our State Parks Director participated in that program too. The Feds still offer some but states stopped offering them when the Feds stopped assisting with the cost. We started our own program in 2000 and really believe in how important it is.

Richard (July 09, 2016 07:18:43 PM): Hi, I was a YCC'er in 1978-1979YL in Virginia. The work we did and the lessons learned stay with you for life. Conservation is very important. I still keep in touch with a few friends I made back then. In those days we were at camp for 8 weeks, 40 of us (20 girls and 20 guys) plus a staff of about 10. The time we had went by very fast. Best summers of my life.

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