Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 02, 2012
Contact:
Va. State Parks accepting Youth Conservation Corps applications
additional contact:
Gaston Rouse
vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov
Dir. Community Engagement and Volunteerism
(703) 583-5497
(RICHMOND) - Applications from young women and men ages 14-17 to participate in a state-wide service program are being accepted by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
DCR is accepting applications for two three-week sessions of the award-winning Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), scheduled June 24 to July 14 and July 22 to Aug. 11.
The paperless application process is entirely online and can be found at www.virginiastateparks.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically by noon on April 13.
"The YCC helped transform our daughter," said Clare Shoeb, whose daughter, Sarah participated in 2011. "She came home with confidence and a sense of maturity and determination. She is much more focused on her goals. Sarah loved it so much, she's applying again this year. This is just an outstanding program."
Those selected will work in a state park for three weeks, learn about the natural world and the history and culture local to the park, and participate in outdoor recreation activities as they learn about teamwork and important life skills.
Crews normally have 10 to 14 members supervised by three adults. The crews are gender specific.
Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the program, but food and lodging, and uniform shirts and hats are provided. Participants receive a $500 stipend at the completion of the program.
The YCC is modeled after the federal service program AmeriCorps and the depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, which built the original six Virginia State Parks.
Those selected for the program will be notified by May 1.
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