Youth Corps Programs

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  Shenandoah Youth Corps Program

  This program focuses on engaging youth in meaningful environmental learning and service opportunities in Shenandoah.

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  Youth Conservation Corps Program

  YCC is a federal youth employment program that engages young people in meaningful work experiences at national parks.

 

During the four-week program, the crew will work with NPS staff on hands-on projects that may include visitor access improvements, trail construction and maintenance, habitat restoration, invasive species removal, re-vegetation, and much more.

Shenandoah Youth Corps Program

Applications are now closed for the 2026 season.

For more information and to apply, please visit the Appalachian Conservation Corps' website.

The Shenandoah Summer Youth Corps is a partnership with Shenandoah National Park, The Appalachian Conservation Corps, and The Shenandoah National Park Trust to provide hands-on work experience for youth, ages 16-18.

About the Program
Shenandoah National Park will host two four-week sessions in 2026. During the first session participants will spend weekends at their home, but will camp in the park during the week. The second session is a residential session with the participants remaining in the park for the entire four weeks. Participants will earn $15 an hour for project work while participating in the program. Youth are encouraged to apply for one session.

Type of Work
Applicants should be in good health. Projects involve moderate to difficult physical labor and all work is accomplished in an outdoor setting. Summers in Shenandoah can be hot with high humidity. Team members are involved in a variety of work projects that may include, but are not limited to trail maintenance, facilities rehabilitation and maintenance, campground maintenance, and exotic/invasive plant removal.

Who can apply?
Young people between 16 and 18 years of age, who are permanent residents of the United States, its Territories or possessions, are eligible without regard to social, economic, racial, or ethnic backgrounds. Handicapped youth who can effectively participate in most activities are eligible. Youth must have no history of serious criminal or other antisocial behavior that might endanger their safety or that of others.

 

The YCC experience allows teens and staff the opportunity to learn, work and recreate in Shenandoah National Park.

Youth Conservation Corps Program

Applications are now open for the 2026 season!

When: June 15 – August 6

Earn: $15.00/hour

Who can apply? Youth, 15-18 years old, who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents are eligible. Please note, the Youth Conservation Corps is a local program, so participants need to be able to commute to and from the site daily. Transportation to the site will not be available.

How to Apply: Download the 2026 Youth Conservation Corps application. Direct questions about the position and applications to [e-mail]

About the Program
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a federal youth employment program that engages young people in meaningful work experiences at national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries while developing an ethic of public land stewardship and civic responsibility.

This YCC experience allows teen enrollees and staff the opportunity to learn, work, and recreate in Shenandoah National Park. The program is challenging, educational, fun, and offers participants opportunities to expand their horizons while building skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. No previous wilderness experience is required.

Type of Work
Youth Conservation Corps members work in a healthful outdoor setting on a variety of projects including building trails, maintaining fences, cleaning up campgrounds, improving wildlife habitat, place-based STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), stream restoration, historic building preservation, and more! You'll also participate in educational field trips where chances are you'll see wildlife or history before your eyes, hike and stand on a mountaintop, or gaze at an ancient ruin.

While no prior wilderness experience is necessary, success in this program depends on your willingness and ability to engage in physically demanding outdoor activities, collaborate effectively with others, and maintain a positive attitude.

 

Duration:

3 minutes

Ever wondered what the Youth Conservation Corps Program (YCC) is all about? Check out this short video to hear from the youth and staff themselves on their YCC experience. From historic preservation to trail maintenance, the arts to living history, and more, see what you could do as a YCC member and beyond! Learn more about the program at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/ycc.htm. View the audio described version here: https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=98737687-B97B-4056-A7D0-A059D9F36E09