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Contact: Daniel Banks, 423-569-9778
Oneida, Tennessee: Students from McCreary Central High School, Scott County High School, and Oneida High School worked on a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) project in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. This year's project consisted of hands-on maintenance activities at Zenith, Twin Arches, Peter’s Ford, and Yahoo Falls picnic areas.
Throughout June and July, a variety of trail maintenance projects were completed, including painting bear-proof trash receptacles, repairing picnic tables and site timbers, and replacing cooking grills. These efforts contributed to improved amenities and a better overall visitor experience. The students who participated in this year’s YCC program were William Ballinger, Chaley Ellis, Madie Mobley, Noah Shook, and Cayde Wilson.
Since 1970, the Youth Conservation Corps program has operated as a work-earn-learn program for youth, as authorized by Public Law 91-378 of 1970, as amended. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s National Park Service and Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service.
The purpose of the YCC is to further the development and maintenance of the natural resources of the United States by America's youth, and in so doing, prepare them for the responsibility of maintaining and managing these resources for the American people. Participants learn work ethics, collaborate with peers and supervisors, and build lasting cultural bridges between youth from various backgrounds.
YCC work projects take place outdoors on public lands and involve rigorous physical labor in all types of weather and environments—including forested slopes at high elevations, grasslands, on and off trails, along waterways, and even in shallow water. Youth receive training in tool use, safe work habits, teamwork, and more, and are provided appropriate safety equipment. Environmental education is also integrated into the work week. YCC projects last approximately eight weeks and typically begin soon after summer break starts. Training and job responsibilities are designed to help transition students into the workforce by providing them with basic, marketable work skills to increase their employment potential. Learning topics such as area cultural history, environmental issues, résumé writing, and interviewing are also part of the experience.
For more information, please contact Big South Fork NRRA at 423-569-9778.
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Last updated: July 23, 2025