{"id":2316,"date":"2016-04-23T02:52:58","date_gmt":"2016-04-23T09:52:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/?p=2316"},"modified":"2016-04-22T20:00:26","modified_gmt":"2016-04-23T03:00:26","slug":"youth-conservation-corps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explore.globalcreations.com\/theblog\/featured\/youth-conservation-corps\/","title":{"rendered":"Youth Conservation Corps"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Civil<\/p>\n

In March and April each\u00a0year kids aged 15 to 18 are applying for positions with the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). \u00a0They will send their applications to the location they would like to work and wait. \u00a0After the enrollment period ends, \u00a0the Park Service, Forest Service and other participating agencies will randomly select the participants at each work location. \u00a0Then, after school is out for the summer, it’s off to work, but\u00a0there is much more to YCC than a paid summer job running eight to ten weeks.<\/p>\n

Getting Healthy Outdoors<\/h1>\n

\"YCCThe best thing about the YCC program is that it gets the kids working outdoors. \u00a0That brings with it all the health benefits we discussed in a post on our partner site, PowerToExplore.com<\/a>\u00a0including stronger bones, fewer colds and flu, less cancer,\u00a0less diabetes, less heart disease,\u00a0better brain function, and more. \u00a0Recent research<\/a> even shows that vitamin D picked up during outdoor work reduces the risk of Parkinson’s disease.<\/p>\n

Beyond that, \u00a0the strenuous activities involved in YCC work will build muscle and strength in all the enrollees. \u00a0Whether or not a YCC member is concerned about their health, \u00a0they are getting a lot of great health benefits from the program.<\/p>\n

Teamwork<\/h1>\n

\"YCCAlmost any workplace or business requires teamwork, but where are kids to learn to work as a team? \u00a0The small number of kids that can participate in team sports, music and theatrics at their schools learn teamwork and it’s benefits very well. \u00a0Outside of those disciplines kids are generally encouraged to do their own work rather than working with others.<\/p>\n

YCC, on the other hand, \u00a0teaches and values teamwork to get work done in the best way possible \u2013 just like the most productive workplaces. \u00a0It’s a great place for kids to learn the benefits of teamwork in producing a quality\u00a0product.<\/p>\n

Benefitting Our Natural Resources<\/h1>\n

As I write this on Earth Day, \u00a0I am reminded of all the kids that want to do something to make the world a better place. \u00a0YCC offers that opportunity. \u00a0A few things a YCC crew may do:<\/p>\n

    \n
  • maintain trails to prevent erosion<\/li>\n
  • enhance fisheries<\/li>\n
  • remove noxious weeds that are crowding out native plants<\/li>\n
  • improve wildlife habitat<\/li>\n
  • maintain historic sites<\/li>\n
  • rehabilitate campsites<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \"Vermont<\/p>\n

    Environmental Education<\/h1>\n

    YCC crew members are not just told what to do, \u00a0they are also taught the reasons behind the work they are doing. \u00a0They typically learn about forest restoration, ecosystem health, recreation ethics, plants, animals, land stewardship, sustainable recreation, the history of public lands, wilderness philosophy and even historical preservation.<\/p>\n

    Beyond the education they are provided relative to the work they are doing, \u00a0crew members may also participate in field trips to learn more on specific topics. \u00a0All of this builds a strong basic background in natural resources and natural resource management. \u00a0Many YCC enrollees go on to careers in these fields.<\/p>\n

    Video<\/h1>\n

    This video offers a glimpse at the YCC program at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

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