Yellowstone Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
Yellowstone Recruits for 2026 YCC Program
Yellowstone is offering its Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program for the 38th consecutive summer in 2026—a month-long program for young people between 15 and 18 years of age. Session 1 will run from June 14–July 15 and Session 2 from July 19–August 18. Participants must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States or its territories, as well as possess a valid US Social Security number.
The YCC experience allows teen enrollees and staff the opportunity to learn, work, and recreate in Yellowstone National Park. The program is challenging, educational, fun, and offers participants opportunities to expand their horizons while building skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. No previous wilderness experience is required, but a willingness and ability to work in a physically active outdoor program, get along well with others, and maintain a positive attitude are essential for success.
In 2025, a very successful and safe YCC program hosted 7 crews over the summer and included 39 teens from across the United States. YCC crews camp in various frontcountry and backcountry locations 4 nights per week near the work sites. On weekends, crews return to the YCC facility to shower, do laundry, participate in recreational activities, and resupply.
Each week, enrollees spend time participating in resource education, recreation, and NPS career development sessions. Many of these activities are scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Activities may include: hiking, rafting, fishing, ranger-led programs, guest speakers, enrollee and staff presentations, and trips throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Participants develop their job and leadership skills while exploring personal values, gaining self-esteem, expanding their awareness of work ethics, and learning firsthand about environmental and conservation issues. Corps members also participate in evening and weekend recreational activities and discover the many options for careers in the National Park Service and other land management agencies.
Some projects will take place in remote backcountry locations within Yellowstone, requiring work crews to camp out for up to five days. When crews are based in the front country, they will either camp or stay at the YCC facility near Mammoth Hot Springs which provides dormitory facilities and a large dining hall for meals and meetings.
Enrollees will also spend time participating in resource education, recreation, and NPS and other agency career orientation activities. Many of these activities are scheduled in the evenings and on weekends. Activities may include: hiking, rafting, fishing, ranger-led programs, guest speakers, enrollee and staff presentations, assisting field rangers and/or scientists, and trips throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
For further information and application materials visit www.nps.gov/yell/parkmgmt/yccjobs.htm.
Questions may be directed to the park's YCC Program Manager by calling: 307-344-2991. Completed application materials must be received no later than March 1st, 2026.
The Yellowstone YCC Program is supported by the Yellowstone Park Foundation and park entrance fees.
For further information and/or an application, please contact the YCC Program Manager by calling:
307-344-7381 or writing to:
YCC Program Office
P.O. Box 168
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 82190-0168
YCC Program Manager's Email Address yell_ycc_office.nps.gov.
Or visiting this Application Link (Adobe pdf form). Completed applications must be sent to the address noted above by March 1st, 2026.
To apply for the 2026 Summer YCC Program, download the Yellowstone 2026 YCC Application and fill it out electronically, save it as your name, and return it by email.
Completed Applications may be emailed to: yell_ycc_office@nps.gov or faxed to: 307-344-2323. Attn: YCC.
Yellowstone YCC Curriculum: Link.
Click on this link for more information: Yellowstone YCC Program.
Enrollee selections will be made using a random method, and applicants notified of their status by: April 1st, 2026.
Information provided by Yellowstone National Park.
| Yellowstone National Park WebCams | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Old Faithful Live | All Old Faithful | Old Faithful Static | Old Faithful VC |
| North Entrance | Mt Washburn | Mammoth | YVO WebCam |
| Entrance Cities and Gateway Towns | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardiner, Montana | Silver Gate, Montana | West Yellowstone, Montana | Cooke City, Montana |
| Livingston, Montana | Cody, Wyoming | Jackson Hole, Wyoming | Yellowstone National Park |
| Links | |
|---|---|
| The Great Outdoors Net | Great Outdoor Recreational Places |
| Gardiner, Montana | West Yellowstone, Montana |
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