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

It's that time again! Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps
is now accepting applications for the 2020 crew leader positions

The Grayson Highlands crew poses for a photo on their newly-finished text pad

Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful parks in the country home to 38 state parks. Each summer, more than 200 youth join us in some extraordinary locations to give back to their community. They accomplish some astounding projects: trail maintenance, park beautification, basic construction, and restoration of park structures. The Youth Conservation Corps Program (YCC) is now seeking enthusiastic, energetic, determined, hard working candidates to join our leadership team this summer. As you consider how you would like to spend your summer, consider what you would like to accomplish. If you are seeking an adventure, a change in pace, and personal growth, the YCC program is definitely an opportunity for you.

Tree huggers welcome

The Youth Conservation Corps allows crew leaders to develop their own talents and skills as well as those of others. Leaders should be focused and goal oriented. You will need to lead others to accomplish daily goals, communicate effectively with your teammates, and make decisions that benefit all. You'll become a teacher. You'll become a healthy role model. You’ll become mentor; and you will play an essential role in mentoring and guiding teens through physically demanding challenges.

The Sky Meadows crew worked on the Sensory Exploration Trail

Our crew leaders should be eager to help youth gain the confidence, experience, and appreciation for our natural resources through hard work and planned incentives such as hiking to a waterfall, canoeing or participating in water activities, enjoying campfires and interpretive programs.

Leader Qualifications
Leaders must be entering their junior year of college or equivalent post-secondary education/experience in fall 2020. Leaders must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive a 15-passenger van. A full list of job duties and qualifications can be found online.

The Sky Meadows crew came across this turtle

All crew leaders are required to attend the mandatory crew leader training at Twin Lakes State Park from Monday, June 15, 2020 through Thursday, June 18, 2020. Applications for the 2020 YCC program are available now and are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Click here for more position details and to apply.

Upon successful completion of the three-week program, crew leaders are awarded an $1800 stipend and a $350 travel stipend. Crew leaders working both sessions will receive the stipend at the end of each session.