What’s it like to be a VYCC Corps Member? We work hard, maintain trails, get muddy, build puncheon, and restore natural areas through erosion control and invasive species eradication. When not working, our residential crews camp out beneath the stars, cook meals over stoves, discuss controversial articles from the VYCC’s WoRd book, and partake in lighthearted shenanigans! Over four weeks of “roughing it” in the wilderness, we work together to strengthen communities and make friendships that last a lifetime.

Still having a hard time imagining a VYCC crew? Check out our slideshow of crew journal excerpts, WoRD articles, and pictures from the 2009 season!

*To read the WoRD articles and crew journals, we suggest you view the slideshow in full screen mode. After clicking play, click the full-screen button at the bottom right hand corner of the picture.

Where can you find Corps Members, delicious food, and a great VYCC celebration? At our Second Session Crew Open Houses! Each Crew will host its own potluck meal to celebrate its efforts, achievements, and completed work projects. Come experience the life of a VYCC Corps Member and see the fruits of their hard work. If you plan on attending, please bring a dish to share! For questions or to RSVP, contact Kris at 802.434.3969 x122.

Roving 1: August 22, VYCC West Monitor Barn, 5:30 pm

Roving 2: August 12, August 12, Campsite in Chittenden, 5 pm *Call 802.434.3969 x122 for directions

Roving 3: August 19, VYCC West Monitor Barn, 5-7 pm

Roving 4: August 19, VYCC West Monitor Barn, 5 pm

Roving 5: August 19, Lakewood Campground in Swanton, 6 pm

Roving 6: August 19, Manchester Forest Service, 12-2 pm

Roving 7: August 19, tentatively the Pittsfield Town Green, 5-7:30 pm

Roving 8: August 19, Campsite behind Millstone Hill Lodge in East Barre, 5 pm

Wilderness 1: August 16, Killawatt Park Ballfields in Hartford, 5 pm

Wilderness 2: August 16, Gifford Woods State Park near Killington, 12-4 pm

Woodstock Community Crew: August 12, Forest Center at the Marsh- Billings National Historical Park, 4-7 pm

St. Albans Community Crew: August 12, Milton, 6  pm

Montpelier Community Crew: August 12, Hubbard Park in Montpelier, 5 pm

Richmond Community Crew: August 19, VYCC West Monitor Barn in the Hay Mow, 5pm, featuring Nepalese cuisine!
**Please check back periodically for updates.**

Serving as an AmeriCorps (AC) Corps Member for the VYCC’s Park Program is an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public lands management and environmental education. AC Corps Members work on a broad array of conservation and environmental education projects, ranging from tree plantings to teaching children how to hold frogs. The work is challenging and rewarding with great opportunities for growth.

Join the VYCC Team! For more information, visit here.

Spring is finally in the air and the VYCC’s 2009 Field Season has begun! On March 30, 2009, five young men from all over the country arrived at the West Monitor Barn to begin their training as the first ever Park Educators (PE’s). Over the subsequent weeks of intensive training, PE’s gained certification as CPR/AED First Aid Instructors, Project Learning Tree Instructors, and as Interpretive Guides. The PE’s also developed comfort with the VYCC’s Environmental Education Curriculum that they will be teaching over the course of the summer.

In their next month of training, they will meet their fellow Crew Leaders, work on a watershed restoration project in the Mississquoi Valley, and visit their respective parks: Elmore State Park, Quechee State Park, Moosalamoo Recreation Area, and Hapgood Pond Recreation Area. The PE’s are excited to welcome and work with the visitors and campers to Vermont State Parks.