The Virginia State Parks system began offering camping programs for at-risk youth as far back as 1946. By 2010, Virginia's state parks still offered programs for inner-city youth in the form of day camps. This features both environmental education and the opportunity to learn about the adventure to be found in the state parks system.
History
The Virginia State Parks system reaches back to the Depression era. In 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt agreed to have his Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) expand its work on federal lands to developing park systems. Three years later, Virginia became the first state to simultaneously open all six of the parks in its system. This put a state park within driving distance of most Virginians. The Swift Creek Recreation Demonstration Area near Richmond was acquired in 1946 to serve the inner-city youth of Richmond as a group camp.
Conservation
The agency that oversees the Virginia State Parks system is the Department of Conservation and Recreation; and as the name suggests conservation is a large focus of the park system. The same is true of the youth camps that are available through the agency. Members of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) live and work in the park for three weeks to complete projects in specific parks. Physical training and night hikes round out the workday, while campers enjoy different adventures during the weekend, depending on the resources available at their specific parks.
Selection
For the YCC, the aim is to recruit a diverse group of young people with a strong desire for environmental education. However, youth who have never been in a park environment are also encouraged to apply. The Youth Service Corps (YSC) is a nonresidential program, or day camp, targeted toward at-risk youth. This combines environmental education with adventure programs, and the state park system partners with local youth programs to recruit participants.
Recreational Camps
Private organizations such as Discover Virginia Outdoor Adventures utilize the Virginia parks system to make an enjoyable learning environment for children 8 to 12 years of age. Children learn such activities as kayaking and canoeing while learning about the ecosystems that flourish in the Virginia wetlands. They also enjoy swimming, fishing and crabbing. These adventure camps last a week at a time, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday, as of 2010. Each week of summer, there is a new adventure camp.
Camp Hosts
If you wish to camp free while you explore the state of Virginia, apply to be a camp host. There are 19 participating parks, and you can camp from one month to three months. Any campsite or pet fees are waived during your assignment, and you receive discounts on boating and rentals in those parks that offer such amenities. Another perk is you get a week of camping once you complete a 30-day host assignment. Selection is made on a first-come/first-served basis, and hosts must have their own RV campers.
Member Comments