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State parks seek YCC volunteers
RICHMOND - The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation is looking for 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, scheduled June 21-July 12 and July 19-Aug. 9.
"Service to others is an honorable, character-building pursuit, and the YCC fills important needs in our state parks and in the lives of young people," said DCR director Joseph H. Maroon.
YCC participants assist with an assortment of projects in Virginia state parks, 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 Ameri- Corps and the depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps, which built the original six Virginia state parks.
Teams of 10-12 participants will be chosen from current high school students 14 to 17 years old 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 on outdoor projects are important factors in the selection process.
The 2008 YCC sessions will be held at 18 state parks across Virginia. YCC crew members are provided room, board, T-shirts and work-related equipment, and receive a $500 stipend at the end of the three weeks.
"The work is outdoors and often physically demanding, but the memories and experiences they take away last forever," said YCC Coordinator Gaston Rouse. "YCC participants make permanent and important contributions to our parks."
The YCC application deadline is April 11. For information or an application, contact Rouse at (703) 583-5497, e-mail vspycc@dcr. virginia.gov or visit www.virginiastateparks. gov.
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