| Description: | The Yellowstone National Park Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) was initiated in 1984. The YCC Program was established to accomplish needed conservation work on public lands; provide gainful employment for young people from all social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds; and to develop an understanding and appreciation of participating youth in our nation's natural, historical, and cultural heritage.
The Yellowstone YCC is a program that emphasizes work ethics, environmental awareness and recreational activities. Participants are randomly selected from all qualified applicants. Approximately 30 students are selected each summer from across the country and are expected to complete forty hours of work each week. The work takes place in a variety of weather and terrain conditions. In the past, YCC enrollees have been instrumental in building backcountry bridges; trail construction and maintenance; log cabin restoration; painting; and working on a wide variety of resource management, maintenance, and research projects. Many of the projects take place in remote locations within Yellowstone and work crews may be camped out for up to ten days. When a crew is camped out in the park, YCC provides all necessary camping equipment.
When crews are based out of the YCC Camp near Mammoth Hot Springs they stay in modern dormitory facilities that include a large dining hall for meals and meetings. Along with the work projects, enrollees spend significant time participating in YCC environmental education and recreation programs. Many of these activities are scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. They include hiking, rafting, fishing, backpacking, ranger led programs, guest speakers, enrollee and staff presentations, and trips throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
The 8-week YCC Program begins in the middle of June. Enrollees receive the minimum wage with weekly deductions for room, board and laundry facilities. The program is challenging, physically demanding, educational and a great deal of fun. |