Overview

Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals.

We have two opportunities for Montana Teenagers:

• Our Youth Expedition Program is open to all Montana teenagers ages 14-18.
• Our Helena Youth Corps is open to Helena (and surrounding communities) teenagers ages 17-18.
• Montana residency is required to participate in both of these programs.

Helena Youth Corps

Join the Helena Youth Corps! In collaboration with the Helena Lewis & Clark National Forest, we're thrilled to introduce a new addition to the MCC Youth Program designed for residents of Helena and nearby communities. This AmeriCorps opportunity welcomes individuals aged 17-18 who are interested in engaging in four conservation-oriented projects throughout the Lewis & Clark National Forest. Each project entails camping for the duration of an 11-day hitch. Project work is physically demanding, and could include trail maintenance and construction, habitat restoration, mesic restoration, planting, and more. Not all CMs will work on all types of projects. We have five openings available, and commitment for the entire schedule outlined below is necessary to receive the full living allowance and education award provided through an AmeriCorps term of service. Participants will report in and out of Helena, MT.

Location: Helena, MT

Ages: 17-18

Session dates (Must be able to serve in all sessions): TBD for 2025

Living Allowance: $1,200 biweekly before taxes are taken out

AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,565.08 upon completion of the program

Youth Expeditions

 Are you looking for a different kind of opportunity?  As a part of MCC's Expedition Program, you will build new relationships, work hard, and explore Montana.  Come challenge yourself personally and as a leader!

Ignite your summer with the Montana Conservation Corps Youth Expedition Program. We have options across the state for you to choose from! All projects are centered around conservation service in Montana’s great outdoors. Projects could include trails, invasive species management, habitat restoration, and more!

Combining this work with our CORE curriculum, we strive to cultivate communities of young people inspired to build a brighter future and to help develop leadership skills. 

Expeditions are for Montana high schoolers ages 14 to 18 and run during the summer months of June - August. There will be 3-day, 6-day and 11-day expedition sessions to choose from along with a few volunteer days offered. 

Our youth programs operate out of our North Branch office in Kalispell, Montana and our South Branch office in Bozeman, Montana.
 

11-day expedition - The 11-day expedition members will spend most of their time outdoors, camping, working, and exploring all while working through our CORE curriculum. The crew will have one day off together partway through the trip to embark on outdoor adventures and to explore the area they’re working in. Upon completion of your expedition, all participants receive a $100 service award and 72 service hours.

6-day expedition - Similar to our 11-day option, participants will spend the majority of their expedition camping, working and engaging in conservation work across the state. Upon completion of your expedition, you’ll receive a $50 service award and approximately 35 service hours. 

3-day expedition - Short on time or not quite ready to commit to the longer expedition options? The 3-day expedition could be the right fit! Expedition members will engage in a shorter, local overnight expedition. While the group will be camping, more emphasis will be put on the conservation project at hand with an abbreviated version of the CORE curriculum. Participants may receive up to 10 hours of service hours.

Volunteer days - The week leading up to 4th of July, we’ll be offering day projects in local Montana communities. These are a great fit if you’re excited to be involved with MCC but aren’t able to join us for an overnight expedition. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about local conservation efforts, work with tools and meet new people!

Technology-Free Environment - Our programs are intentionally technology-free to enhance crew connection. Please note, we do not allow phones to be used for cameras. You’re welcome to bring a digital or disposable camera. For safety, our leaders have GPS devices and their personal cell phones for emergencies.

Program Benefits - Here is what you can expect to gain! *See expedition lengths above for specific service hours + benefits

• Leadership and communication skills
• Technical skills
• Connections to each of the 4Ps (People, Power, Place, Pathways; see our CORE curriculum page)
• New relationships 

"I think one thing I’ve learned about all the places collectively is that in order to conserve the things that are important to you, you must be willing to do the work yourself. I also learned about the history and significance of each place. I’ve always had an appreciation of these places, but now that I’ve lived and worked at them I feel as if they have become a part of who I am."

  - MCC EXPEDITION MEMBER