Overview
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a summer youth employment program that engages young adults in meaningful work experiences on federal public lands. Crew members are engaged in fun, exciting work projects designed to develop an ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility such as trail maintenance; preserving and repairing historic buildings; removing invasive species; helping with wildlife and land research; and leading environmental education. YCC supports the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps, or 21CSC, mission to put thousands of America’s young people to work protecting, restoring, and enhancing America’s great outdoors.
– Affords members the opportunity to work and learn alongside federal employees in a wide range of natural and environmental projects
– Assists youth to develop a life-long ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility through team-based work projects and individual placements
– Works to instill young adult awareness and appreciation of the public lands legacy and of the nation’s natural, cultural and historic resources
The above information is from the U.S. Forest Service YCC webpage. Cottonwood Gulch’s YCC is a residential program: the crew is expected to remain together during the entire duration of the session. The crew will live and work together 24/7, as well as cook and share meals in a community setting. On their “off-time” the crew will engage in activities like rock climbing, exploring slot canyons, hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and learning about the arts and cultures of the Southwest. These activities reflect the similarly immersive experiences to our summer trekkers of our summer trekkers and is part of what makes our YCC unique.
Our YCC program is specifically designed for impassioned young people who are interested in learning more about southwest ecosystems, doing hard work to apply conservation principles to the land, and educating and engaging young people in the outdoors.
Qualifications:
To meet eligibility requirements, applicants must be: between 18 and 21 years old and available for the duration of the program June 21 - August 4, 2025. Crew members must be U.S. citizens or be able to work in the U.S.
Required Skills:
Able to lift 50 lbs and hike 5+ miles
Preferred Skills:
Interested in hands-on conservation work and possibly working with kids and supporting environmental education programming
About Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions
Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions offers unique expeditions rooted in the culture and landscape of the American Southwest. Our programs offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic land and cultural heritage of the American Southwest. At the Gulch, we’ll inspire you with all of the places we explore. We will take you on world-class backpacking and hiking into pristine wilderness areas. We’ll connect you with hands-on science and nature. We’ll engage you in the art and culture that is the backdrop of this poetic place we call “The Southwest.”
