Mr Williamsburg, Revolutionary ideas on real estate!Hampton Roads Virginia

Then be sure to sign them up for the  Virginia State Parks’ Youth Conservation Corps The program is currently accepting applications through April 13, 2012 to help this summer at the state’s 36 parks from kids ages 14-17

Two three-week sessions of the award-winning Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) will be held this year, from June 26 to July 16 and July 24 to Aug. 13.

Applications are due by noon, April 13, 2012. The application process is entirely online, and can be found here Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps

Participants work in an assigned state park for three weeks and complete a series of environmental projects there. Participants also learn about the local culture and history, develop teamwork and life skills, and take part in outdoor recreation activities.

Crews are gender-specific and typically have 10 to 12 young people. Three adults supervise each crew.

Parents are responsible for transportation to and from the park. Food, lodging and uniform shirts and hats are provided. Participants get a $500 stipend at the completion of the program.

Youths selected for the program will be notified by the end of April.

Its not all work and no play either. Here is a  glimpse of a day in the YCC

• 6:30 a.m. – Wake up. Time to start the day.
• 7 a.m. – Physical training. Every morning, crews participate is various physical activities such as running, sit-ups, stretches and jumping jacks.
• 7:30 a.m. – Breakfast. Once members have finished working out, it’s time to grab some grub before setting off for the job site.
• 8:30 a.m. – Morning project. Crews may maintain trails, make bluebird boxes or work on construction.
• Noon – Lunch, break time. After the morning’s work, it’s time to grab something to eat and drink and talk about what’s been accomplished.
• 1 p.m. – Afternoon project. Crews may continue on the morning job or restore wetlands or build build osprey platforms, ramps or walkways.
• 4 p.m. – Swim, games, team building. Time for crews to reward themselves and have some fun after a long workday.
• 6 p.m. – Dinner time. Hamburgers, hotdogs, baked beans, grilled cheese sandwiches, pasta, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, ice cream… just to name a few.
• 8 p.m. – Evening activities. Interpretive program, night hike, canoeing, owl walks, astronomy.
• 9:30 p.m. – Journal entry. Crew members jot down what happened that day and describe new experiences.
• 10 p.m. – Lights out.
• Weekend – Adventure training (activities vary by park). Caving, canoeing, horseback ride, nature hike or visit museum.

p.s. I was just kidding about your kids hating you for life, they will probably forgive you after a year or two !

Filed under: state parks, summer camps, virginia |