Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 27, 2013
Contact:
Virginia State Parks seeks Youth Conservation Corps participants
Additional contact:
Gaston Rouse
Youth Conservation Corps Coordinator
703-583-5497
vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is looking for a few good young women and men to serve the commonwealth. DCR is accepting applications for two three-week sessions of the Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), scheduled June to August 2013.
YCC participants help with assorted park projects, including wildlife and fisheries habitat improvement, trail and campground construction and restoration, timber and shoreline improvement, and landscape beautification. The YCC is modeled after the federal service program AmeriCorps and the depression era Civilian Conservation Corps that built the original six Virginia State Parks.
Teams of 10 to 12 participants will be chosen from current high school students aged 14 to 17 (participants must be 14 by June 1) who demonstrate an interest in protecting Virginia's environment. While no prior experience is necessary, participants will work outside, and the service is physically demanding. A positive attitude, an interest in learning, curiosity about interpreting nature, and the physical ability and desire to work outdoors are also important factors in the selection process.
The 2013 YCC sessions will be held at most state parks across the state. YCC crew members are provided room, board, T-shirts and equipment, and they receive a $500 stipend at the end of the three weeks.
"The work is outdoors and physically challenging, but the memories and experiences they take away last forever," said YCC Coordinator Gaston Rouse.
Applications must be submitted online.The application deadline is April 13. For more information contact Gaston Rouse at 703-583 5497 or vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov.
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