Youth Conservation Corps At Work In State Parks

Published 3:14 pm Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Twin Lakes, Sailor’s Creek Battlefield and High Bridge Trail State Parks are hosting a Youth Conservation Corps program which began Monday, June 30. The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is modeled after the depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, which built the original six Virginia State Parks.

The YCC crew will work in these three parks for three weeks and complete a series of environmental projects. They will also learn about the local culture and history, develop teamwork and life skills, and take part in outdoor recreation activities. The YCC crew is an all female crew with 10 crewmembers and four supervisors.

“It is a pleasure to be involved on a daily basis with the Youth Conservation Corps, said Josh Ellington, Twin Lakes park manager. “From completing meaningful park improvements to helping build the next generation State Park enthusiast, the program is very rewarding to both staff and the crewmembers.”

Email newsletter signup

The mission of DCR’s Virginia State Parks Youth Corps (VSPYC) is to engage Virginia’s youth in a structured program of important conservation and park projects on public lands while providing learning that fosters teamwork, self-esteem, social responsibility and respect for the environment.

For more information on the Youth Conservation Corps, visit www.virigniastateparks.gov.