Have your kids spend part of the coming summer working in one of the most beautiful places on earth as a member of the Youth Conservation Corps at Yellowstone National Park.

Park officials are now recruiting for the 2011 YCC program, which is a residential work program for young men and women between the ages of 15 and 18. The program is designed to develop an appreciation for the nation's natural resources and heritage through unique educational, recreational, and work experiences.

Initiated in 1984, Yellowstone’s YCC Program recruits youth from all social, economic, ethnic and racial backgrounds. Corps members work together under adult leadership to complete conservation projects such as rehabilitation of trails, campground restoration, and a wide variety of resource management and maintenance projects. Through this experience, young people develop their job and leadership skills while further exploring personal values, gaining self-esteem, expanding their awareness of work ethics, and learning firsthand about environmental and conservation issues.

Corps members will also participate in recreational activities and discover the many options for careers in the NPS and other land management agencies. Many of these activities take place in the evenings and on weekends. Activities may include: hiking, rafting, fishing, ranger-led programs, enrollee and staff presentations, assisting rangers and/or scientists, seminars with special guest speakers, and trips throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

No previous wilderness experience is required, but a willingness and ability to work in a physically active outdoor program, getting along well with others, and maintaining a positive attitude are essential for success.

This summer, Yellowstone National Park will offer two, month-long YCC sessions. Session #1 takes place June 12 through July 14, and Session #2 begins July 17 and ends August 18. Applicants will be asked to indicate their first and second choice of session. Approximately 25 teenagers from across the country will be randomly selected to participate in this program for each session.

Participants will be required to live on location, and room and board will be provided at a minimal cost. Wages will be set at the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Applicants must be citizens of the United States and be 15 years of age by June 12, but not over 18 years of age by August 18.

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) 344-2256. Completed application materials must be received no later than March 14, 2011.

The Yellowstone YCC Program is supported by the Yellowstone Park Foundation through generous donations from the men and women of the Loyal Order of the Moose. Since 1989, members of the Moose have generously donated over two million dollars in support of Yellowstone's YCC program. For more information on the Loyal Order of the Moose go to: www.mooseintl.org.