News Release

Local Youth Conservation Corps Members Build Skills While Preserving Fort Smith National Historic Site

Youth Conservation Corps members repair mortar on walls at Fort Smith National Historic Site.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: September 14, 2026
Contact: Fort Smith National Historic Site

FORT SMITH, Ark. — Seven local Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) members spent the summer gaining hands-on work experience while helping to preserve and maintain Fort Smith National Historic Site. This opportunity was funded in part by the National Park Foundation, and the crew worked alongside National Park Service staff on projects that introduced participants to preservation trades and maintenance skills.

Over the summer, crew members completed many projects throughout the park, including repairing mortar on the fort’s defensive walls, replacing protective platforms beneath wagons and cannons, refurbishing the gallows and installing new doors on the commissary, the oldest building in the park.

Through these hands-on projects, crew members learned how to maintain equipment and gained experience in carpentry, plumbing, custodial work, small-engine maintenance and other entry-level practices. Working alongside National Park Service employees also introduced participants to federal careers and helped them develop workplace skills.

“These young people make an important contribution to the park, and they are eager to learn,” said Superintendent Adam Beeco. “Their work helps our facilities staff accomplish important projects while giving participants practical skills and experience to be successful in future jobs.”

Since 1970, when the Youth Conservation Corps was established by Congress, the YCC Program has helped youth to work, learn, play, and grow. The program is open to individuals 15 through 18 years old and is administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Current programs take place with the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Service.


About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.

Tags: ycc, youth programs, youth, nps careers, historic preservation

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