Youth Conservation Corps Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m., Feb. 15 through April 30. Youth Conservation Corps Overview Program Elements Crew Members Crew Leaders Photos OVERVIEW OF THE YCC Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a two-week summer employment opportunity for teenagers to serve the Commonwealth of Virginia while developing essential work and life skills. In this program, youth spend weekdays completing work projects such as trail maintenance and small construction projects. During weeknights and the weekend between sessions, crew members will engage in environmental education and adventure opportunities. Ten Crew Members live at each host park with three to four adult Crew Leaders. Crews are divided into male and female groups. Participants learn to live and work as a community of diverse individuals while fostering independence and self-confidence. During their time in the program, crew members are not allowed to have cell phones, laptops or other electronic devices. Applications for the Youth Conservation Corps program can be submitted electronically. Navigate the side menu tabs to learn more about YCC opportunities, and stay connected via Facebook at @VAStateParksYCC Contact us at vspycc@dcr.virginia.gov 2026 Program Timeline 1/1 Crew Member applications open 3/13 Crew Member applications close 3/20 Interview invitations to top applicants 3/21–4/3 Crew Member interviews 4/18 Crew Member offers 5/1 Onboarding paperwork due 6/14 Session 1 drop off (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) 6/27 Session 1 graduation (11 a.m.) 7/5 Session 2 drop off (9 a.m.-12 p.m.) 7/18 Session 2 graduation (11 a.m.) HISTORY OF THE YCC YCC was developed after the success of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program, created by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933. This program for men, ages 18 through 25, provided a paid opportunity to travel and complete projects on public lands. CCC crews built much of the original infrastructure in Virginia’s six original state parks that opened in 1936. Like their CCC predecessors, YCC crews work on public lands maintaining trails and constructing legacy projects that will serve Virginia State Parks’ guests for years to come. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of State Parks adopted a two-year pilot YCC program in 2000. During each of those two years, there was only one crew at one park, but the program expanded to upwards of sixteen crews each summer. The pilot program informed the Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (VSPYCC) as it was until 2022. In 2023, the program was updated and shortened to two weeks, and a greater emphasis was placed on career development and conservation education. The mission of YCC is to connect Virginia's youth with the natural world through a structured program of meaningful service projects on public lands. Youth build trails, friendships, environmental literacy and self-confidence as they work to preserve access to the outdoors for generations to come. Download a booklet about state park amenities. General info Reservations Passes, prices and fees Lodging Programs and events Careers Job openings Media Center Know Before You Go For groups Meeting facilities Host an event Weddings Things to know FAQ Rules and regulations Pet policy Don't move firewood Feature articles Public Safety and Law Enforcement Get Involved Volunteer Friend groups Volunteer Host Youth Conservation Corps Stay connected Blog eNewsletter sign up Partnerships Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation 600 E. Main St., 24 th Floor | Richmond, VA 23219 To learn about park offerings and overnight accommodations, email resvs@dcr.virginia.gov or call 800-933-PARK (7275) Address other general inquiries to vastateparks@dcr.virginia.gov Please send website comments to web@dcr.virginia.gov Copyright © 2026, Virginia IT Agency. All rights reserved. Last Modified: Tuesday, 24 March 2026, 01:29:05 PM WAI Level A Compliant ADA Notice