Each new project site for a conservation crew is an opportunity to learn new skills. Here are recent examples of training delivered by VYCC staff on the first day at a new project site:

Introduction to Trail Maintenance

In Grout Pond with August Tallmadge: Introduction to trail maintenance; how to cut limbs in a way that promotes tree health. The crew got right to work clearing the trail corridor and clearing drains.

How to use a rigging system to fell hazard trees

At Spruce Peak in Plainfield with Jenn Krebs: How to use a rigging system to fell hazard trees. By the end of the day everyone had operated a griphoist. Tuesday, the crew started using the griphoist to move stones for their trail project.

Members of this crew share that they “love the griphoist. It makes it so much easier to get the rock placed the way that you want.”

They appreciate how the right tool can transform a person’s ability to complete a project that seems impossible: “Learning how to use a grip hoist and seeing it work, now I believe that people actually did build the pyramids!”

Scaffolding and fall arrest systems

At Elmore State Park with Stephen Cohen and Leona Spittka: Scaffolding and fall arrest systems for a woodshed roofing project. By the end of the day, systems were set up and the crew was stripping the roof.

Water safety and invasive species protocol

At VYCC with Kristen Balschunat: Water safety and water chestnut protocol training included boat safety, T-rescue techniques, how to fit a life jacket, how to identify water chestnut, and cyanobacteria awareness. Two crews completed this training, then headed out to their respective water chestnut removal sites.

Building Beyond Skills

At their core, training sessions impart how-to knowledge. But in the process of practicing new practical skills, crew members often tell us about other life skills they learn along the way. Problem-solving, communication, trusting others, time management, delegation, and managing morale are just some of the “durable” skills that come with learning how to use a chainsaw or transplant seedlings. 

Training is also an opportunity for crew members to challenge themselves and gain confidence. That’s the case for one crew member who learned how to drive a tractor under the tutelage of Jake Kornfeld, Senior Farm Production Manager.

“Jake is an exceptional teacher, being patient, well-spoken, and consistent. This has shown up for me in becoming a tractor operator. I had a lot of fear from prior experiences which Jake has helped to remedy, giving me a lot of confidence back. This shows up for leaders and members in so many ways, and when you compound that over multiple seasons this effect is incredibly powerful. Jake has had a hand in giving so many people tangible life skills and confidence in things they may not have even known existed prior to their time at VYCC. Thank you for all your efforts, Jake!”

Learn more about the staff members who deliver these trainings on our team page.

To read more about our crews’ experiences with leadership and skill development, check out our 2023 Gratitude Report.

Join us for the third annual Harvest Dinner!

Thursday, October 10, 5:30 PM

See and taste the Farm at VYCC.

Enjoy a farm tour, lawn games and appetizers; followed by a buffet dinner and dessert. This farm-to-plate event will feature food grown by young people, and raises funds for the Health Care Share.

Families are welcome at this community-centered meal.

The Farm at VYCC is powered and led by youth and young adults participating in paid service experiences. They grow organic vegetables, eggs, and chicken; and deliver weekly shares to over 400 families managing food insecurity and/or diet related illness. The program is primarily funded by participating medical center partners, AmeriCorps, and a community of generous supporters and sponsors.  

Please register here:

A newly released report from the Farm to Plate Network celebrates the unique role CSAs play at the intersection of local food and health in Vermont. The “2023 Data Report: Farm to Plate CSA & Healthcare Community of Practice” details the impact of five Healthcare CSA programs. It also demonstrates how individual programs fit into a broader network.

VYCC’s Health Care Share project is an integral part of this network and this report. The Health Care Share connects Vermonters with fresh, local food through their health care provider. 

VYCC partners with 11 medical centers to identify and enroll patients experiencing food insecurity and/or diet-related illness. Each week, households pick up a hearty box full of vegetables, at their doctor’s office. Some weeks include meat, eggs, and local products like cheese and flour. The program is funded by medical centers, farm stand sales, sponsoring businesses, and generous community support.

VYCC’s Health Care Share is the largest prescription vegetable program in Vermont. Among five programs, VYCC reaches more than half of all households served, operating in five of the eight counties served.

According to the Farm to Plate Network report:

• 74% of participants screened positive for food insecurity. 
• Cardiovascular risk factors were cited as the top conditions for program referral. 
• Family members served by the programs ranged in age from 1 to 94. 
• Participants of all five programs reported increased fruit and vegetable consumption.

The Health Care Share provides paid jobs and hands-on training for young people interested in contributing directly to Vermont’s agricultural future and sustainable food system.  

As part of VYCC’s Food & Farm Program, crews of young people grow organically certified vegetables and raise chickens for meat and eggs. They learn how to care for soil, crops, and animals; use a variety of tools and farming techniques; harvest and prepare produce; and pack and deliver share boxes. The majority of the food grown at VYCC is distributed to the community though Health Care Shares, with surplus available for sale to the public at the farm stand on the VYCC campus.

This year’s Health Care Shares began June 20 and go out every Thursday to 450 Vermont households in Richmond, Barre, Berlin, Burlington, Montpelier, Newport, Northfield, Saint Johnsbury, Waterbury, and White River Junction, plus Littleton, NH.

Check out the full 2023 Data Report on Farm to Plate CSA and Healthcare Community of Practice:

If you’d like to get a closer look at the Farm at VYCC and taste some of our homegrown produce yourself, join us at an upcoming event at the farm! Space is limited—register soon!

Open Farms Week lunch and farm tour

August 8
Learn more and register

Harvest Dinner

October 10
Learn more and register

2024 marks VYCC’s 20th year fielding youth crews in Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park

Marsh Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park has partnered with Vermont Youth Conservation Corps since 2004 to provide paid service experiences for teens and young adults. 

Every summer, a crew of teens takes on critical maintenance and improvement projects in the park. These youth are enrolled in VYCC’s Conservation Program. They work weekdays during school’s summer break with mentorship and support from VYCC Crew Leaders and staff. No skills or experience are required to join the crew. 

Crew Members become skilled at trail maintenance, tree care, forest management, and/or building and repairing fences. They learn about conservation; for example, identifying invasive species and understanding the harm these plants cause. They get to know park staff and get to understand the inner workings of a national park.  

On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, community members from Woodstock and beyond are invited to join Breck Knauft, Executive Director of VYCC, for a discussion on service. 

Breck will open up a conversation about Vermont’s workforce and higher education challenges: How can Vermont retain and attract young people? In a time of social and political division, how can our communities support youth as they transition to adulthood? How can we help the next generation of leaders prepare for civic life and careers?

Join him to hear stories about young people working and learning together. Hear examples of paid service bringing people together and creating career pathways.

Learn about VYCC’s 20 years of work in Woodstock, and how Woodstock’s VYCC crews are part of a growing national service movement: What does the Woodstock crew have in common with crews working across the country, and in what ways are VYCC crews unique? 

Event: A Stronger Vermont Through Service

What: Presentation by VYCC Executive Director Breck Knauft
When: Tuesday, July 16, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Where: Mezzanine of the Norman Williams Public Library, 10 The Green, Woodstock, VT
Cost: Free and open to the public 

Tax-deductible donations to VYCC are welcome.

RSVPs appreciated, not required.

This event is co-hosted by VYCC and the Norman Williams Public Library. 

Join us for Open Farm Week!

Thursday, August 8, 2024 – 1:00 – 3:00 PM

This annual event, organized by DigInVT.com, has been facilitating behind-the-scenes tours of Vermont farms for 10 years.

On Thursday, August 8, the public is invited to come experience the Farm at Vermont Youth Conservation Corps.

The Farm at VYCC is powered and led by youth and young adults participating in paid service experiences. They grow organic vegetables, eggs, and chicken; and deliver weekly shares to over 400 families managing food insecurity and/or diet related illness. The program is primarily funded by participating medical center partners, AmeriCorps, and a community of generous supporters and sponsors.  

Lunch & Tour our Farm & Barns 

**We’ve sold out for lunch! Please register if you’d like to join us for the walking tour from 1:30-3:00.**

At 1:30, we will tour VYCC and hear from Corps Members (youth and young adults) along the way. We will check out 11 acres of organic vegetable, poultry and egg production, and hear about how the Health Care Share connects over 400 families with a CSA: Vermont’s largest prescription vegetable program! 

We will enter the active construction site of the East Monitor Barn (built 1901), currently being restored. 

Our farm stand will be open. 

We welcome contributions. Suggested donation is $20 and any amount is appreciated.

Note – we’ve sold out for lunch. Please register below if you’d like to join us for the walking tour, beginning at 1:30 PM.

Please register here: