YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK — For the 37th consecutive summer, Yellowstone National Park (YNP) is offering its Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), a monthlong program that allows teen enrollees and staff the opportunity to learn, work and recreate in the park.
“Everyone, help us give a big welcome to our second crew of Yellowstone’s Youth Conservation Corps!” YNP wrote via Facebook.
According to YNP, over the next four weeks, these students, age 15 to 18, will work on a variety of projects including repairing/building boardwalks and trails, building fences, non-native plant control, installing bear-proof food storage boxes in campsites, collecting data for park research and more.
YNP wrote on its website that over 400 applicants applied for only 40 positions in this year’s summer program. In 2024, the YCC program hosted two sessions with four crews each and included 44 teens from across the U.S.
Each week, enrollees will spend time participating in resource education, recreation and National Park Service career development sessions. Many of these activities are scheduled in the evenings and on weekends, such as hiking, rafting, fishing, ranger-led programs, guest speakers, enrollee and staff presentations and trips throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
“If you see this group while you’re out in the park, give them a big ‘hello!'” YNP wrote.
