![]() ![]() Yellowstone is offering its Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program for the 35th consecutive summer in 2023—a month-long residential program for young people between the ages of 15 and 18 years of age. Participants must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States, its territories, or its possessions. They also must provide a valid US Social Security number. The YCC experience allows teen enrollees and staff the opportunity to learn, work, and recreate in Yellowstone 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, 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. In 2022, a very successful and safe YCC program hosted two sessions with 3 crews each and included 31 teens from across the United States. In 2023, two sessions will again be offered for 44 youth. Crews will camp in various frontcountry and backcountry locations in the park 4 nights per week near their work site. On weekends, the crew returns to the YCC facility to shower, do laundry, participate in recreational activities, and resupply. Mitigations will be in place to reduce the risk of virus transmission including use of HEPA air filters in sleeping and common rooms, possible testing, and other steps to limit the spread of virus. ![]() Each week, enrollees will 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, and trips throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Yellowstone's YCC Program is supported by generous donations to Yellowstone Forever and through park entrance fees. 2023 ApplicationsThe Summer 2023 YCC program will operate two sessions: June 11 - July 12 & July 16 - August 15. The 2023 application period is now closed. Yellowstone YCC CurriculumThe Yellowstone YCC Curriculum can be viewed online. In 2013, a University of Wyoming graduate student assisted the YCC program by developing a full YCC Curriculum. Five themes are examined including Ecological Relationships, Cultural Heritage, Stewardship, Sustainability, and Leadership.
Watch the Yellowstone YCC video and the new Learn Your Park video featuring images of Yellowstone's Youth Conservation Corps and Expedition Yellowstone students.
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In the park’s earlier years, bears fed on garbage behind hotels and on visitor snacks along roadways—averaging 48 bear-inflicted human injuries each year from 1931 to 1969. In 1970, the park implemented a new bear management program to restore bears to a diet of natural foods. Human injuries dropped dramatically, as did the need to kill bears. Today, “bear boxes” are a primary tool of Yellowstone’s Grizzly Bear Conservation Program. In 2021, we are at 61% of our goal of 1,907—one for each roadside campsite.
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To improve visitor experience and safety, Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps crews are replacing outdated trailhead exhibits with new, matching ones. Designed in-house and fabricated with funding from Yellowstone Forever, all 96 trailheads should have new signs by the end of 2022. |
Last updated: March 2, 2023