Whether planting crops on the farm, building stairways within the Vermont trail system, or improving water drainage throughout the state, individuals come to VYCC to make a difference.
Crew Leaders (20+ years old) and Crew Members (mostly 15-26 years old) come together for a paid service experience full of connection, hard work, and skill building. Crews work, live, and learn together to complete high priority and meaningful conservation projects such as trail maintenance, carpentry, land management, forestry, and watershed restoration. Farm crews work on the farm at VYCC growing produce that goes to the Health Care Share. These experiences connect crews to the land, community, and one another.
On their first day, Members and Leaders arrive on VYCC’s 400-acre campus to get familiar with staff and meet crew mates.
After training and orientation on campus, crews get to work on projects. For Conservation Crews, this could be anywhere in Vermont! The crew’s trailer and van will have all the tools and gear you need.
Meanwhile, Food & Farm crews get their hands in the soil on VYCC’s campus.
Take skills & credentials with you
Whether you arrive at VYCC with zero work experience, or you come with skills and feel ready to lead – we have a position for you.
VYCC programs are designed for Members to come back for multiple seasons. Build skills toward careers, accumulate AmeriCorps Education Awards and college credits, and earn industry-recognized credentials.
See what skills you can gain!
Read about how VYCC supports alumni after their VYCC experience.
Video: Returning to VYCC
At the end of the season there will be lots to be proud of: the bridge you built, the skills you gained, the crops you harvested, and the community you’ve been a part of. Join us if this sounds like the right adventure for you!
As I anticipated, the work was hard. We carried wet lumber up a mountain. We crushed and moved so many heavy rocks. However, I got stronger and stronger, and I was so proud to see what my body was capable of. With the help of my community around me, I had begun to thrive in an environment that was once scary and intimidating. The Corps experience had pushed me out of my comfort zone, and I was able to expand into a stronger version of myself. – Bex (they/them) Conservation Member and Food & Farm Leader
Affinity spaces at VYCC
Corps Members have opportunities to work alongside others who share some aspect of their identity. In the past, options have included Affinity Crews or Spaces for women, queer folks, and BIPOC individuals. If you are curious about what affinity opportunities might exist for your time with VYCC, ask us during your interview.
The work in the fields is very tedious. You are doing the same thing over and over again for a long time. But you are in a group of people that you come to enjoy: it becomes fun and easy to do. – Kathir (he/him) Food & Farm Member
If you are ready to dig in, with a spirit of curiosity and courage, then VYCC is the place for you.
