Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Program

Yellowstone YCC Crew

NPS Photo

 

Summer 2012
Yellowstone National Park will operate its Youth Conservation Corps Program for the twenty third consecutive season this summer. The program offers two month-long sessions in a residential setting for young people between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age.

Yellowstone's YCC experience allows enrollees and staff the opportunity to learn and work in the world's first 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.

Approximately 40 teen enrollees will be selected from across the country to participate in the park's YCC 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 (~$140). 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:painting/staining; exotic plant control; fence and bench building; general maintenance work; trail construction and/or maintenance; 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 environmental 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.

Yellowstone's YCC Program is supported by the Yellowstone Park Foundation.

The Summer 2012 YCC Program will consist of two month-long sessions:

• Session #1:June 10 through July 12
• Session #2: July 15 through August 16

How To Apply
The application period for Yellowstone's Summer 2012 YCC Program ended on March 5. Applications were received from 477 youth who will be randomly selected for 42 positions.

Recruitment for Yellowstone's Summer 2013 YCC Program will begin in mid-January 2013.

For additional information, please contact the park's YCC Program Manager at: e-mail us.