Shenandoah Youth Crew Member

Address:
9386 S. Congress St.
New Market, Virginia
22844

• Actively Recruiting
  :
  Yes
• Position title
  :
  Shenandoah Youth Crew Member
• Type of Position
  :
  Corps member / Intern
• Town, City, Park, etc
  :
  Harrisonburg
• State / Territory
  :
  Virginia
• Benefits
  :
  Housing – Primarily Camping
• Project/Program Focus
  :
  Trails

The Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) is a corps program based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The ACC moves forward from the tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps to engage young people in conservation service projects. The ACC is a Conservation Legacy program.

The ACC strives to cultivate a new generation of local land stewards. We partner with land managers to accomplish impactful and lasting conservation service projects. We work to build and support sustainable public access, historical interpretation and ecological health. The ACC runs as a fee-for-service crew and we are willing to collaborate with land managers to find project funding.

Project Description

The youth conservation crew member position is an entry-level role. This program focuses on engaging youth aged 16–18 in meaningful environmental learning and service opportunities. During this four-week program, the crew will work with National Park Service staff on hands-on projects that may include visitor access improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, re-vegetation, and much more. Most projects require hiking out to remote sites for the day with tools, equipment, and day pack.

Crews consist of four crew members and two crew leaders who provide project expertise, mentorship, training, and support for the success of all participants. While prior experience with the outdoors or camping can be helpful, it is not a necessity for this position. We ask that crew members embrace learning opportunities, face challenges, and build community with their crew.

Schedule and Crew Life

• This program has 2 four-week sessions:
• Session one is from June 8 to July 2, 2026. During session one, crews camp out and work in the field for 8 hours a day Monday – Friday. Crew members will return to our office in Harrisonburg each Friday afternoon to head home for the weekend and return to the office the next Monday morning to go back out the following week.
• Session two is from July 6 to July 31, 2026. During session two, crews camp out in Shenandoah National Park for the entire four weeks. They’ll complete project work for 8 hours a day Monday to Friday and have educational and recreational opportunities each weekend.

Food is provided while in the field. Crews work together to plan meals and complete necessary chores (cooking, washing dishes, etc.). Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated if known ahead of time. We also provide group camping equipment, tools, protective gear, uniform shirts, and transportation between Appalachian Conservation Corps offices and project sites.

Prior to their start date, selected participants are required to complete an onboarding process that includes completing e-forms and uploading IDs, as well as getting parental signatures on paper forms (for members under 18). Participants who are 18 years of age will also be asked to complete a background check.

Requirements and Additional Benefits

Contact Information

Additional Information

Actively Recruiting
:
Yes
Type of Position
:
Corps member / Intern
Town, City, Park, etc
:
New River Gorge National Park OR Catoctin Mountain Park, Maryland, West Virginia
Benefits
:
Education Award, Student Loan Forbearance

Actively Recruiting
:
Yes
Type of Position
:
Corps member / Intern
Town, City, Park, etc
:
Harrisonburg, Virginia
Benefits
:
Education Award