News Release

Youth Opportunity to Work in Local National Park

2016 YCC Crew

NPS Photo

News Release Date: March 6, 2023

Contact: Kathy Kimmitz, 571-299-9563

Prince William Forest Park, a unit of the National Park System, will be hosting a Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) work team during the summer of 2023. For over 25 years, youth from the area have worked on park resources such as trails, historic buildings, and landscapes by helping to rehabilitate historic cabins and perform cyclic maintenance. Participants will get paid to work, learn, and gain leadership skills. No prior experience is needed, just an engagement to make a difference. This year’s program will run from June 19 through August 11, 2023 and participants will work 4 days  (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) each week, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., during this 8 week period and will receive a minimum of $12.00 per hour.   Applications from diverse social, economic, ethnic, and racial groups are being sought.  All eligible youth considering a career with the National Park Service or would like to work in an outdoor environment this summer are encouraged to apply.

Applications will be accepted from March 15, 2023 through April 15, 2023. Contact the park directly or go on-line to download the application form. To be eligible, you must have had your 15^th birthday by June 19 but not have your 19^th birthday before August 11.  Completed applications should be submitted to:           
Prince William Forest Park
ATTN. YCC Coordinator
18100 Park Headquarters Road
Triangle, VA 22172-1644

Remember, your application must be postmarked and/or received by April 15, 2023.

Prince William Forest Park has had a number of participants move on to promising careers with the National Park Service. Public Law 91-378 declared the YCC pilot program a success and established the permanent Youth Conservation Corps program in 1970. Since that time YCC participants have worked in positions at National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks, National Fish Hatcheries, and in other facilities across the United States. Participants gain education, experience and work skills in environmental stewardship and community service. They also learn about teamwork, safety, leadership and resource evaluation while building organizational and decision-making skills. The program has been, and continues to be, a positive initiative for Prince William Forest Park and the community.

Prince William Forest Park is just 35 miles from downtown D.C. and is one of the largest national park sites in the metropolitan area. The park is an oasis of nearly 15,000 acres of diverse woodland habitat and protects numerous natural and cultural resources. If you have questions about the YCC program or need more information, call Kathy Kimmitz at 571-299-9563. For general park information call the Visitor Center at [phone] daily from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/prwi anytime.