Shared by Renesha Chiles, Youth Corps Program Manager, as Guest Blogger.

It is that time again, Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps is now accepting applications for the 2018 Crewmember position.

Every summer, Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) offers over 150 youth the opportunity to serve in Virginia State Parks. These youth live in the parks for three weeks, make lifelong friendships, perform outstanding service work, and earn $500!

Crewmembers are expected to complete many laborious tasks; it is NOT summer camp

A $500 stipend is awarded after the successful completion of the program

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

YCC is looking for youth, ages 14-17, to serve on a crew with nine (same-sex) fellow crewmembers. The crew is led by three, trained, adult crew leaders. Crewmember applicants should be willing to actively participate in all activities and are expected to work diligently on service projects as one cohesive team with their crew. Applicants do not need to have any prior experience; however, an interest in working outdoors, a good attitude, and the diligence to complete projects is critical as the crew should expect to get sweaty and to perform laborious tasks in the middle of summer.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

While in the park, the crew will work on various projects such as trail maintenance, construction of new park facilities, and park beautification. Work can be difficult but it is also extremely rewarding for crewmembers to see the work they have completed and to show their friends and family the many projects they were able to complete during the 35-40 hour workweeks.

Weeknights are filled with conservation education and other environmental education activities hosted by the park’s interpretive staff and their crew leaders. The crew’s hard work during the week is rewarded through weekend extravaganzas to other nearby parks, trips to museums, and recreational activities including kayaking, hiking, and bouldering.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

The girls at James River State Park pose for a picture during their weekend hike to Crabtree Falls

WHAT IT IS

While YCC may be a ton of fun, crewmembers are expected to complete many laborious tasks; it is NOT summer camp.

A $500 stipend is awarded after the successful completion of the program. The crewmember is fully responsible for transportation to and from their assigned park. Once at the park, transportation, meals, and housing are provided.

The crewmember position is available to youth both residents and non-residents of Virginia.

HOW TO APPLY

Each applicant must complete a series of questions, and provide two professional references (with email addresses). These references are required to complete a short survey before the rapidly approaching application deadline of March 5, 2018.

More information and applications can be found here.