Youth Conservation Corps
The Youth Conservation Corps program engages youth in work-based learning projects and leadership education programs. Yellowstone’s YCC program is focused on training and inspiring the next generation of conservation leaders through work projects, outdoor recreation, and resource education. The program allows youth, ages 15-18, the opportunity to experience the motto of Work, Learn, Play, and Grow in one of the world’s greatest protected ecosystems.
Each year Yellowstone Forever’s members and corporate partners help fund the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for teen enrollees and staff to live in the world’s first national park while working on important conservation projects.
Program Overview
Every winter hundreds of 15-18 year olds apply for approximately 50 spots in the Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). No previous experience in the wilderness is required, but a willingness to learn new skills and work hard is necessary. The accepted teens are split up into two month-long summer sessions.
As a work-based learning program, the primary goal of YCC is to connect youth to Yellowstone through a mix of work projects, education, and fun. An average day might include the installation of new bear-proof storage boxes in Yellowstone campgrounds, followed by an educational session with a naturalist, followed by a sunset hike! Alongside the advertised benefits of education and a chance to live in Yellowstone, YCC has an extra perk — or challenge. There’s little to no service in many locations in Yellowstone National Park, and the teens must leave their phones behind.
YCC 2024 Highlights and Accomplishments
Projects completed by the YCC are a mix of important maintenance projects, restoration projects, and social science projects. These projects are necessary and often would not be completed without the help of the YCC. Below are just some of the many YCC accomplishments in 2024:
- Installed 34 bear boxes in park campgrounds
- Built and installed 370 feet of boardwalk at Norris Geyser Basin and Daisy Geyser
- Installed 144 feet of fencing at Lamar Buffalo Ranch
- Constructed and installed 590 feet of buck and rail fencing near West Thumb Geyser Basin
- Collected 26 hours of Community Science Investigation (CSI) data including pronghorn herd demographics, dragonfly larvae samples, and aquatic invasive species eDNA water samples
- Inventoried and sorted 2,600 historic postcards at the Yellowstone Heritage & Resource Center
- Collected 66 hours of Visitor Use Monitoring at various geyser basins
- Brushed many miles of trails and road
- Fixed and replaced 60 benches in the Old Faithful area
- Stain and painting jobs at various locations
- and MUCH more!
“The YCC gave me the foundation for work ethics and an opportunity to see the beauty of the earth. The YCC instilled in me the value of thinking beyond myself. Without my experiences with the YCC, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.” – Past YCC participant
“The work we do lends itself to bettering us all. It takes both cooperation and compassion to be a member of a team. We have truly grown up and together at YCC.” – Past YCC participant
Support from Yellowstone Forever’s donors allows these teens to experience an unplugged and unparalleled summer in the park. Funding needs are ongoing. Thank you!
