VIRGINIA (WAVY) — Virginia State Parks are looking for qualified candidates for the Youth Conservation Corps program.
During the two-week program, Crew Members live and work in one of 42 Virginia State Parks. The 10 member crews are divided into male and female groups with three to four adult Crew Leaders.
On weekdays, Crew Members works on projects including:
- Trail maintenance or construction of new trails
- Construction of picnic pads and tent sites
- Reframing and weeding of garden beds and landscaping by a park’s visitor center
- Removal of invasive species such as Tree of Heaven and Wavy Leaf Basket Grass
- Construction of stream crossings, water bars and other features to guide users away from treading on ‘social trails’ that can contribute to erosion
- Laying of mulch, gravel, stone dust, or other materials in areas that need to be refurbished
On weekends, Crew Members engage in fun activities such as:
- Tubing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, or biking at neighboring state parks
- Astronomy programs or “star parties”
- Snake or other animal identification programs
- Archery programs
- Fishing programs
- Cavern or cave trips
- Visits to nearby towns and attractions
- Bird or plant walks led by a Virginia Master Naturalist
Crew Members live on state park property, in either a bunkhouse, double-wide trailer or a lodge. Housing accommodations are required to have bunks beds for 10 Crew Members, and separate rooms for Crew Leaders.
All meals are provided, and most are cooked by Crew Members in the bunkhouse or on the grill.
Applicants must be 14 to 17-years-old and heading into their first year of high school.
- Session 1: June 16-28, 2024
- Session 2: July 7-20, 2024
Crew Members will receive a $750 dollar stipend upon successful completion of the 2-week program.
Applications are being accepted until March 15, for more information click here.