Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) crews work hard on new trails and fire-damaged areas. Courtesy/YMCA
By LAHNI ZOLLINGER
YMCA Sports, Youth and Family Co-Director
Administrator for YCC Program
Every summer, The Los Alamos Family YMCA looks for 9-10 youth to work for the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). YCC has been a staple program in the community for many years that gives youth the opportunity to work hard, serve their community and gain leadership and job/interviewing skills. Past YCC crews have worked hard to repair fire-damaged paths as well as create new trails around the community. Many of the trails you enjoy hiking on during the summer were likely built, repaired or maintained by a YCC crew.
YCC is a great way to get paid for working outdoors while also gaining great physical strength! It is also a great way to build something and put a personal stamp on our wonderful community. I myself worked as a YCC leader in 2009. 14 years later, I am now able to brag to my own children what trails I built and perfected. Needless to say, by the end of the 2009 summer, I was in excellent physical condition! I wholeheartedly believe in the YCC program and the great values of hard work, environmental consciousness, and pride in our community that it instills in our youth.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for this program, please fill out an application and turn it into the YMCA front desk by the April 14 deadline. You can find an application on our website. You can also pick up an application from the YMCA or the Espanola and Los Alamos Teen Centers. Please reach out the YMCA with any questions: 505.662.3100.
Details on Program:
- Applications due by 6 p.m., April 14
- For ages 14-25
- Job runs from June 5-July 28
- Leaders: $16-$17.60/hour
- Crew: $14-$14.50/hour
The YMCA has a motto: “We don’t turn anyone away for their inability to pay”. This year the YMCA has a fundraising goal of $175,000 that will support financial assistance through need-based scholarships for childcare, memberships and youth programs; as well as program support for our Teen Centers in Los Alamos and Española.
