Blue Ridge Parkway Guide News

June 15, 2009

(Spruce Pine, NC) We’re looking for volunteer opportunities for young people that are educational and fun! Join the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Youth Volunteers in Parks Program (YVIP) for ages 6 through 18 years of age. Through this program, young people will serve as actual National Park Service volunteers performing a variety of tasks to help preserve and protect the Blue Ridge Parkway. Please join us for any or all of the following events for the 2009 YVIP season:

• June 27, 2009 – Youth Volunteer in Parks Training
Training will provide YVIPs with a basic understanding of the National Park Service and providing services to visitors of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 
Museum of North Carolina Minerals (Milepost 331), 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• July 7, 2009 – YVIP Maintenance Day
YVIPs will learn more about the role of maintenance staff as they clean one of the Parkway campgrounds. Following the clean-up, the group will enjoy a hike to Linville Falls. Bring a lunch, drinking water and wear clothes that can get dirty.
Linville Falls Campground (Milepost 316), 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• July 17, 2009 – Wilderness Survival Day
Come for an afternoon of learning to survive in the outdoors. Discover ways to build a shelter and fire and other wilderness tips. Children under 7 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
Julian Price Park Campground Amphitheater (Milepost 297), 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

• July 27, 2009 – YVIP Natural Resources Day
YVIPs will learn more about the protection of plants and animals along the Blue Ridge Parkway with a National Park Service biologist. Bring a lunch, drinking water and wear clothes that can get dirty.
Linville Falls Picnic Shelter (Milepost 316) 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.


• September 17 – 20, 2009 – Overmountain Victory Celebration
YVIPs will be assisting park staff in the largest special event on the Parkway. Volunteer duties will be assigned each day of the event.
Museum of North Carolina Minerals (Milepost 331)

• October 10 & 17, 2009 – YVIP Programs for Parkway Visitors
YVIPs will present mini programs for Parkway visitors. Arrangements must be made prior to this event to pick up program supplies.
Linville Falls Visitor Center (Milepost 316), 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.

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