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.