The Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program has existed for over two decades and served as a paid opportunity for youth and young adults to gain valuable leadership and conservation experience.

As YCC anticipates a relaunch in 2024, there is much about the program that will remain the same: a residential program focused on youth engagement in the outdoors, crews of 10 youth, ages 14-17 and no cell phones. However, some alterations have been made to bring the original program up to date with 2024:

1. Two week programs: While in previous years the program ran for 3 weeks, 2024 will feature two sessions that are two weeks long to allow Crew Leaders to have more time to train and ensure Crew Members are deeply engaged in projects.

2. Scaled-down parks and crews: To have YCC program staff more hands-on in program administration, hiring, and communication with park staff, the program will feature just four crews at a time for each of the two sessions, totaling eight parks that will host the residential program in 2024.

   • Session 1: June 16-29, 2024
   • Session 2: July 7-20, 2024
   

3. Scaled-up recruitment and selectivity: In terms of crew members, the application process will be more selective. This is to ensure that applicants are committed to the program and to give youth who may lack outdoors experience an inclusive invitation to experience YCC. In terms of crew leaders, there will be three per crew. Leaders will be required to serve both sessions and experience two different crews and parks. With fewer positions available, recruitment will be more competitive for crew leaders and require prior leadership experience, an interview and references (as in years past).

4. Increased professional development opportunities: For both crew leaders and members, YCC 2024 will provide increased professional development. Crews will have the opportunity to hear about the AmeriCorps, SkillBridge and Park Ranger Career Development programs. Crew members will become more familiar with job opportunities in state parks, including seasonal interpreter and contact ranger positions that are appropriate for 16- to 18-year-olds.

   

5. Connecting projects to purpose: YCC exists in the legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and decades of efforts to preserve natural resources and promote outdoor recreation that is meaningful and sustainable. The projects completed by crews in 2024 will be explicitly connected to the greater purpose of Virginia State Parks, with each crew completing at least one ‘legacy project’ that crews will be able to look back on for years to come.

   Additionally, an updated Environmental Education Curriculum for crews will be in harmony with state curriculum and the greater themes of interpretive programs at state parks. Crews will feel that their projects are connected to something larger than themselves.

If this exciting opportunity to connect with and preserve the natural world appeals to you, be sure to complete the application by March 15, 2024. If this residential program would be a great fit for the youth in your life, please share this information with them. Not only do the Virginia State Parks and guests benefit from YCC for generations to come, crew leaders and members gain valuable knowledge, experience and friendships that can last a lifetime.

To learn more, visit our YCC webpage.