Bear Creek State Park is hosting a crew of Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps now through Aug. 12. The crew is all male with two supervisors, one intern and 10 crewmembers.

According to a press release this is a three-week residential program. The YCC program engages Virginia’s youth in a structured program of important conservation and park projects on public lands while providing learning that fosters teamwork, self-esteem, social responsibility and respect for the environment. Youth Corps projects are visible, tangible and meaningful.

The project for this crew is mainly trail restoration and construction, shoreline restoration on Bear Creek Lake and projects with Department of Forestry and the National Parks Service. But it’s not all work and no play. The program also includes time for environmental education and adventure programming.

Crews typically have 10 members, ages 14-17, from diverse backgrounds. The crew is closely supervised by three crew supervisors who are graduates of the program themselves, professional park staff and committed adult volunteers.

The Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps Program was honored with the United States Department of the Interior’s Outstanding State Volunteer program award in 2010. The Take Pride in America award cited the YCC’s “…outstanding commitment to the stewardship of America’s public lands and natural and cultural resources.”

The award-winning Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK (7275) or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.