Shared by Kyle Hitzelberg, as Guest Blogger.

The AmeriCorps Interpretive Trail Project is offering 37 members the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience while earning money for school.

Selected members will serve from April to August in State Parks throughout Virginia. Under the guidance of experienced park staff, Interpretive Trail Project Members will connect park guests to valuable resources and lead volunteers in trail improvement projects. Members will plan, develop, assist and lead interpretive programs and assist park staff in coordinating service projects.

Members also receive extensive training to prepare for their position, including interpretive training, customer service, volunteer management, and watercraft skills.

BOARDWALKS

Member Samantha Dillon serves with her crew and park staff to remove an old boardwalk and lay the foundation for a new one at York River State Park.

“I am happy to say I work at a park that has unique ecosystems and a rich diversity of animal and plant life.”

CHAINSAWS

Members Alissa Nicholson and Mallory Glick learn how to properly use chainsaws with the guidance of experienced park staff and members.

“Overall it was an incredibly valuable learning experience, we were presented with several realistic challenges and we were able to practice several different cuts under the guidance of an experienced sawyer. I'm now not only equipped with a new skill set, but I'm also much more comfortable operating a chainsaw and I feel confident and useful out in the field.”

TRAIL MAINTENANCE

Member Breeann Roberts takes a moment from trail maintenance to appreciate the wildlife found within Virginia State Parks.

“Out there, life is existing as nature does and I absolutely love that I get to be a bystander to such quirky little events.” 

ABOUT

Spend your summer serving with Virginia State Parks. 

Members commit to serving 450 hours in their park and upon completion of service, receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award for $ 1,538. This education award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education, to pay for educational training, and to repay qualified student loans. Members also receive a bi-monthly living allowance during their term of service. 

AmeriCorps is a national service program administered through the Corporation for National and Community Service. Each year, AmeriCorps offers adults of all ages and backgrounds more than 80,000 opportunities to meet critical needs in communities across America. Benefits of serving include a modest living allowance and an education award at the end of service.

If this interests you or you know someone who it may, please pass along the information for this unique opportunity at Virginia State Parks.