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):

• Session 1: June 17th-June 27th
• Session 2: July 1st-July 11th
• Session 3: July 22nd-August 1st
• Session 4: August 5th-August 15th

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

AmeriCorps Education Award: $1,459.26 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. These programs send you on 11-day trips around the state for conservation work.  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.

Expeditions are for Montana high schoolers ages 14 to 18 and run during the summer months of June - August. We run these expeditions as 2 or 4-week sessions.

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

2-week expeditions - A 2-week expedition is made up of one 11-day hitch running Sunday to Wednesday. Expedition Members will spend most of their time outdoors, camping, working, and exploring all while working through our CORE curriculum.  Upon completion of your expedition, all participants receive a $100 service award. 

4-week expeditions - Looking for a more in-depth experience? Our 4-week expeditions might be for you! 4-week expeditions are two 11-day hitches with a brief 3-day return to home in between.  Participants experience the same types of projects as 2-week participants but are likely to have a greater variety of work.  Finally, these longer-term participants earn a service award of $200.

Technology-Free Environment: Our programs are intentionally technology-free to enhance crew connection. For safety, our leaders have GPS devices and their personal cell phones for emergencies.

Program Benefits - Here is what you can expect to gain!

• 64 + volunteer hours 
• 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