Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program
Yellowstone YCC Crew
NPS Photo
Summer 2013 Yellowstone will offer its Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program for the 24th consecutive summer in 2013. Two month-long residential sessions are offered for young people between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age. The YCC experience allows 50 enrollees and staff the opportunity to learn, work, and recreate in Yellowstone National Park. The program is challenging, educational, and 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, but a willingness and ability to work in a physically active outdoor program, get along well with others, and maintain a positive attitude are essential for success. Teen enrollees will be selected from across the country to participate in this summer program. Enrollees will work 40 hours a week and receive the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour) with bi-weekly deductions for room, board, and laundry facilities (~$10). Healthy food options will be provided by the YCC Cook or prepared by staff and youth while camping. While this diet might be different than what you are used to, the goal is to provide highly nutritious, healthy meals to sustain youth during a work program. YCC participants will work in a variety of weather and terrain conditions while completing projects which may include: fence and bench building; trail construction and/or maintenance; general maintenance work; painting/staining; exotic plant control; and working with the visiting public. Some projects will take place in remote backcountry locations within Yellowstone, requiring work crews to camp out for up to five days. When crews are based in the front country, they will either camp or stay at the YCC camp near Mammoth Hot Springs which provides dormitory facilities and a large dining hall for meals and meetings. Enrollees will also spend time participating in resource education, recreation, and NPS and other agency career orientation activities. Many of these activities are scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Activities may include: hiking, rafting, fishing, ranger-led programs, guest speakers, enrollee and staff presentations, assisting field rangers and/or scientists, and trips throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. To learn more about YCC, click on this film. Yellowstone's YCC Program is supported by generous donations to the Yellowstone Park Foundation. The Summer 2013 YCC Program will consist of two month-long sessions: How to Apply The application period for Yellowstone's Summer 2013 YCC Program ended on March 1. Applications were received from more than 350 youth who will be randomly selected for 44 positions.Recruitment for Yellowstone's Summer 2014 YCC Program will begin in late-January 2014.For additional information, please contact the park's YCC Program Manager at:e-mail us. |
Did You Know?
Yellowstone contains approximately one-half of the world’s hydrothermal features. There are over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including over 300 geysers, in the park.