The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, in collaboration with Camp DREAM, was awarded the “Environment and Wildlife Compatibility Award” at the recent 2007 Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Awards Ceremony in recognition of outstanding use of federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds. Camp DREAM representative Macon Philips accepted the award in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the two organizations.

The VYCC/ Camp DREAM collaboration involved establishing a safe, one-mile beginner mountain bike/cross-country ski trail as well as the construction of a quarter mile-long boardwalk to provide educational access to a Class-II wetland, which will be used as an interpretive trail. VYCC and Camp DREAM, which is a Vermont youth mentoring organization that builds communities of families and college students that empower children from affordable housing neighborhoods to achieve their dreams, are continuing this successful partnership again this season with funding from the Recreational Trails Program funds administered by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation.