Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps

Applications for Crew Members interested in serving in the Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps close THIS FRIDAY, March 13, 2026!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to live and work in a Virginia State Park while gaining invaluable work experience and creating new friendships. Upon successful completion of the program, each crew member will receive a $750 payout.

Applications are considered complete once the youth and two references submit their respective sections. Applications without references submitted by the March 13 due date will not be considered.

For more information and to apply, visit our website at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/youth-conservation-corps.

Still looking for the perfect summer opportunity?

Crew Leader applications are open until THIS FRIDAY, February 13, 2026! As a Crew Leader, you’ll spend six weeks living and working in state parks across the Commonwealth.

This dynamic role is incredibly rewarding and requires wearing many hats—worksite supervisor, environmental educator, and house manager, to name a few.

Crew Leaders receive a payout of $6,500 for their service, and those selected as Head Crew Members will receive $7,500.

For more information and to apply, visit:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/youth-conservation-corps

Want to know more about the Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps and what service as a Crew Member is like? Join our Youth Engagement Coordinator for a virtual information session on January 22 from 5 pm to 7 pm. Youth and parents are encouraged to attend!

Set a reminder for Jan. 22 at 5pm and join here: https://vasp.fun/4qqLFNi

Do you LOVE the outdoors? 💚 Passionate about sharing that with the next generation? Join the YCC as a Crew Leader at Virginia State Parks this summer!

As a Crew Leader, you can expect to help cultivate the future stewards of our natural resources through meaningful work projects, engaging environmental education, and building community on your youth crews, all while living in a state park for 6 weeks. Serving with YCC is a fantastic opportunity to inspire future generations while building your skillset to support your future in the outdoors industry.

Crew Leaders will receive a stipend of $6,500 for their service, and those selected for Head Crew Member positions will receive a stipend of $7,500. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. For more information and to apply, visit our website at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/jobs?j=2025-01-03-15-36-35-864727-anx

JOIN OUR CREW 💪 Are you ready for an epic summer of adventure, new friendships, and hands-on experiences with Virginia State Parks? Apply to join the 2025 Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps as a Crew Member (ages 14-17)!

Imagine spending two weeks living and working in a breathtaking state park, surrounded by nature and like-minded peers who are just as passionate about the environment as you are. You'll not only gain valuable skills and experiences but also get paid! Upon successful completion of the program, each crew member will receive a $750 stipend.

Don't miss this chance to be part of something bigger! Applications will close on March 15, 2025. Check out our website for more details and to apply: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/youth-conservation-corps

Find the perfect gift for everyone on your list at Virginia State Parks. Tips on where to find artisan crafts and ideas for all of your loved ones here:

Holiday shopping at Virginia State Parks The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the challenge of finding the perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. If you want to avoid crowded malls and generic presents, consider a trip to one of Virginia's state parks.

Happy World Ranger Day! 🫡 As summer keeps our park rangers very busy, we recognize them for their hard work. We also honor the memory of rangers around the world who've been killed in the line of duty. Expressing gratitude to all of our rangers for their dedication and for putting themselves on the line to protect Virginia State Parks' resources and ensure your park visits are safe and enjoyable. 👏

If you've seen a ranger demonstrate excellent service, help us recognize them by filling out this form: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/other/customer-service

Want to become a park ranger? Find job opportunities at http://www.virginiastateparks.gov/jobs.

“Crew members will live in state park housing; they will spend their weekdays trail building, building picnic pads, doing other construction and maintenance projects. On the weekends they’ll explore other state parks and experience all the beauty Virginia has to offer.” - Scarlett Stevens, Youth Engagement Coordinator. And she can tell you more, check out this interview and article.

Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps offers summer jobs outdoors Looking for a summer job? Virginia State Parks is taking applications for its Youth Conservation Corps.

Curious to learn more about the YCC Program and what it would be like to serve as a Crew Member this summer? Attend a Virtual Q&A Session on February 20th at 6:30pm, hosted by Youth Engagement Coordinator Scarlett Stevens. See the YCC webpage for a Microsoft Teams link to the Q&A: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/ycc-crewmember