Wilderness Crews
Wilderness Corps Members and Crew Leaders immerse themselves in the backcountry woods as they live and work in one location for the entire duration of the session. Wilderness Crews are an opportunity to challenge your comfort zone and connect deeply with the natural world.
Corps Members
Session 1: June 19 - July 18, 2010
Session 2: July 31 - August 29, 2010
Crew Leaders
May 24 - August 30, 2010
Wilderness Crews are co-ed and consist of up to eight Corps Members and two Crew Leaders, who come together from all walks of life to build strong bonds with each other and with the surrounding environment. Throughout the summer, the VYCC crew works together as a team to complete high priority conservation projects in remote locations.
Past Projects
- Stone staircases on the Appalachian Trail at Thundering Falls in Killington, VT
- Step stones and trail drainage work on the Long Trail on Stratton Mountain
- Trail relocation on the West River Trail in Jamaica State Park
- Replacing five bridges on the Catamount Trail in Searsburg, VT
In addition to conservation projects, each work day holds many opportunities for building technical skills, exploring your opinions during WoRD, and expanding your knowledge about the natural world. Corps Members will also have the chance to develop their leadership skills as they rotate through the role of “Crew Leader of the Day.”
Camp Life
Wilderness Crews provide a unique opportunity for Corps Members and Crew Leaders to explore Vermont's natural areas. Running water, electricity, and television are traded for mountains, rivers, and trees as the crew lives and works together for four weeks each session. In the backcountry, your home is a VYCC-provided tent and your meals are cooked and eaten together as a crew in the outdoors.
While previous experience camping and working outdoors is a plus for Corps Members, it is more important that those joining a Wilderness Crew bring an open mind and a willingness to step out of their comfort zone. Many people leave this experience with increased technical skills and a new appreciation for nature.
Camping Skills Learned |
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1.800.639.8922
802.434.3969 x200
info@vycc.org.
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It was very challenging – physically. I got a lot stronger, and it was hard to adjust at first. But, I had so much fun and met some of the best people I know, and got to live in the beautiful outdoors. -Wilderness Corps Member
After much contemplation over the policies of the VYCC, I must admit that I am very impressed with your policies and morals. The organization is built upon hard work and good relationships and also on teaching people to be better contributors to society, and take responsibility for their own actions. -Cherob, 2008 Wilderness Crew Leader