Minnesota youth ages 15 to 18 who are looking for a unique opportunity to develop and strengthen leadership and camping skills while understanding and appreciating the natural environment are encouraged to apply for the Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) Summer Youth Program.
Applications for 90 positions are being accepted between now and April 25.
The program runs June 15 through Aug. 9, and participants earn a stipend of $180 per week with room and board provided.
Youth will be based at a residential program site in St. Croix State Park for eight weeks. From this base site, they will travel in crews led by staff members to various state and federal lands to camp and work on conservation projects.
"Participants can expect to work hard on projects such as trail construction, erosion control, bridge and boardwalk building, and invasive exotic plant removal," said Eric Antonson, MCC youth programs manager.
The experience-based curriculum addresses career development, environmental topics, education planning, and leadership and life skills development.
Weekend activities include canoe trips, wilderness hikes and high-adventure challenges.
Applicants should enjoy working and living in a rustic outdoor environment. MCC, which hires an equal number of males and females, encourages minority youth to apply. Up to 20 deaf and hard-of-hearing youth, who will work with deaf staff and trained sign language interpreters, will also be hired.
To receive an application, contact Eric Antonson in the MCC office at Eric.Antonson@conservationcorps.org or (651) 209-9900. People should apply soon since MCC annually receives more applications that it has openings.
The Minnesota Conservation Corps was created in 1981 by the Minnesota Legislature to do two things - engage youth and young adults in enhancing natural resources and provide opportunities for training and life skills development.
