![[Image Description: Two MCC members are walking away on a rocky trail, carrying their packs, surrounded by burnt orange bushes. Through the haze in the background, there are a multitude of mountains, overlapping one another.]](https://cdn.firespring.com/images/7ba12407-5e3a-41c1-b4b4-f00aac9d37a1.jpg)
Spending time outside is life-changing, and outdoor service-learning opportunities like MCC’s build resilience, leadership, and a sense of purpose. But committing to a month-long outdoor program isn’t always realistic for teens juggling school, sports, jobs, and family responsibilities. That’s why we’re introducing more flexible Youth Expedition programming to make outdoor service more accessible than ever before.
Research shows that outdoor service experiences are more important than ever for teens’ development. The National Scientific Council on Adolescence reports that youth with a strong sense of purpose experience improved mental health, resilience, and personal growth– key benefits of outdoor service-learning. A 2025 report from the Montana Work-Based Learning Collaborative found that while 99% of educators believe work-based learning is essential for students, teens’ lack of time and flexibility is the biggest barrier to participation. Without flexible opportunities, many teens miss out on these transformative experiences. We’ve seen this firsthand as teens choose jobs, sports, or other obligations over outdoor service.
That’s why MCC’s Director of Youth Programs, Ashley Mazzullo, has restructured our youth programs to meet youth where they’re at. In 2025, we’re offering:
- A summer-long Youth Conservation Corps crew
- 11-day Youth Expeditions
- 6-day Youth Expeditions
- 3-day Youth Expeditions
- 1-day Volunteer Days
These varied program options make it easier for teens to engage in conservation and gain the benefits of outdoor volunteer service, whether for a single day or an entire summer.
This shift reflects a broader trend in outdoor education, with organizations like Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) introducing shorter courses to address declining youth enrollment. For teens new to the outdoors, a short expedition provides a manageable first step, helping them build confidence before committing to a multi-week trip.
For those not ready for an overnight expedition, MCC’s new youth Volunteer Days offer high-impact, single-day events in partnership with local organizations like the Prickly Pear Land Trust. These opportunities provide an easy entry point for teens to engage in conservation work— building trails, restoring habitats, or simply getting their hands dirty for a good cause. By making it easier to participate close to home, we hope to introduce more teens to outdoor service—and maybe even inspire them to join a longer program in the future. As Ashley puts it, “At the end of the day, just getting outside is good. We want kids to have that opportunity, to make that connection to MCC and the outdoors.”
The benefits of these changes extend beyond the teens themselves. More varied program lengths also support MCC’s young adult AmeriCorps crew leaders, reducing burnout and ensuring they stay energized and engaged while mentoring youth participants. Investing in our leaders ultimately means a better experience for everyone involved. As one youth participant shared, “My crew leaders were truly amazing; they pushed me to be the best me I could be. Thanks for the experience!”
With these changes, MCC anticipates engaging more than 160 youth in 2025, giving them the chance to experience the outdoors in a way that works for them. Whether it’s a one-day volunteer event or a multi-week expedition, the path to adventure and purpose has never been more open.
Applications for our Youth Expedition program are now open! Programs are free to participate in, and MCC can provide gear assistance if needed. This program relies on donations from the community, so if you'd like to support the youth program or enroll a teen in the program, visit www.mtcorps.org.
