Youth Outdoors

Conservation Corps Minnesota’s afterschool and summer program, Youth Outdoors, connects urban teens to the natural environment through hands-on conservation and neighborhood beautification projects. It empowers young people to become active, engaged citizens and leaders.

The program is currently open to Saint Paul and Minneapolis high school students, ages 15 to 18, from households at or below 80 percent of the city’s median income. During the school year, youth meet at Rec Centers in Baker, Hazel, Phalen, West Minnehaha, and two rec centers in Minneapolis. 75% of projects focus on natural resources and 25% on community service. Weekly activities include science and environmental education and recreation. During the summer, youth tent camp and work in the outdoors Monday-Friday, with weekends home.

Youth gain job and career-planning skills and learn about natural resource management, ecology, science, technology, environmental conservation and Minnesota natural and cultural history. They also learn how to plan and execute community service projects and lead volunteers.

To join the Corps, you must be willing to work hard, outdoors, on diverse teams, and to engage in education and new activities. Youth earn $7.25/hour (12 hours per week), receive one meal per work day and gain valuable life skills.

2012 Semester Schedules

Spring program: March 20-June 5.

Fall program: Sept. 4-Nov. 20

Summer program: July-August

Weekly schedule during the school year (one meal provided each day) 

Tuesdays 3:30-6 pm

Thursdays 3:30-7 pm

Saturdays 8 am-3:30 pm (with every third Saturday off)

Spring applications are due February 24 by 4:30pm.

Download an application or call (651) 209-9900 to request an application by mail.

Submit completed application via e-mail, fax or mail to:

John.Stelzner@conservationcorps.org

Fax: 651-209-9901

Conservation Corps Minnesota

2715 Upper Afton Rd Ste 100

Maplewood MN 55119

Youth Outdoors is made possible by:

McKnight Foundation

The Saint Paul Foundation

F.R. Bigelow Foundation

McNeely Foundation

Best Buy Children’s Foundation

City of Saint Paul Youth Job Corps

ServeMinnesota*AmeriCorps 

City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources