Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge is offering a Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program for the summer, beginning June 27. This is a chance for youth, ages 15 through 18, to earn money during the summer while experiencing and learning about our natural resources. The YCC, an eight-week program, offers enrollees the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects, such as trail maintenance, invasive species control, and construction projects. The program also offers the youth an opportunity to learn about the diversity of habitats and wildlife of the refuge. A group leader will be appointed to supervise and work along with the enrollees.

In addition to learning about the goals of a National Wildlife Refuge, the enrollees will gain experience in working together as a team. Although the YCC program will be challenging, due to working in hot, humid, and buggy conditions, it will be rewarding giving the young people a sense of accomplishment in doing projects that will result in their education and conservation of the natural environment.