Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Staff (19+ year olds)
Summer Staff Flyer
Who can apply?
The Summer Youth Program welcomes all residents and non-residents of Minnesota to apply. The program strives to create a richly diverse population of participants and staff. Applicants must be at least 19 years old. We strongly encourage people from all walks of life to apply, including deaf or hard-of-hearing people.
Where do you stay?
The Summer Youth Program has a residential facility, which is located along the St. Croix River within St. Croix State Park. The park sits 15 miles east of Hinckley along Highway 48. When at the residential site, staff and youth stay in rustic bunkhouses that sleep up to 8 people. These structures are basic and do not have electricity or running water. Such amenities are available at the camps main buildings.
What is a "Spike"?
The term "spike" comes from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) of the 1930's, the forefather of today's conservation corps. The CCCers lived in large tents while completing their conservation work and these tents required large spikes to erect them. The term "spike" has come to signify a trip where participants stay in tents while completing conservation projects away from our residential site. Although our tents are smaller and do not require large spikes, MCC crews do camp out in remote locations for up to 3 weeks at a time while completing a project.
Where do Spikes take place?
Spikes take place at many public lands and environmental education centers throughout the state. The majority of spikes take place along the North Shore of Lake Superior, some within the Superior National Forest. The list is long and new project locations are added every year.
What do you eat?
Good food is very important when you are working hard in the outdoors. MCC ensures that all youth and staff are fed well with quality nutrition. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available. A dedicated cooking staff prepares and serves meals family-style for all corpsmembers while at the residential site. The menu changes a bit when you head out on spike. It is the corpsmembers responsibility, with the help of crew leaders, to prepare and cook their own meals. Out in remote locations the crew will work as a team to prepare back country meals over camp stoves and open fires. Vegetarian/vegan options are always available.
How much does it pay?
Staff stipend’s are based on the specific position they hold.
Position |
Rate |
Start Date |
End Date |
| Assistant Director |
$360 to $400 |
May 22 |
August 15 |
| Work Projects Coordinator |
$360 to $400 |
May 22 |
August 15 |
| Education Activities Coordinator |
$360 to $400 |
May 22 |
August 15 |
| Crew Leader
First Year Second Year Third Year |
$330
$360 $370 |
May 28
May 28
May 28 |
August 13
August 13
August 13 |
| Interpreter Crew Leader
First Year Second Year |
Skills assessed, up to: $360 $390 |
May 28
May 28 |
August 13
August 13 |
| Assistant Crew Leader |
$290 |
May 28 |
August 13 |
Interpreter Assistant Crew Leader
|
Skills assessed, up to: $330 |
May 28
|
August 13
|
| Head Cook |
$360 to $480 |
May 22 |
August 14 |
| Assistant Cook |
$290 to 320 |
May 22 |
August 14 |
| Swamper |
$270 |
May 28 |
August 13 |
How long is the program?
The MCC Summer Program is an 11-week program. The first three weeks consist of training prior to the youth arriving. The remaining eight-weeks will involve leading crews while completing high-priority conservation work projects. Following the departure of the youth, staff will assist in preparing the residential facility for the following program year.
Is there any time away from the program?
Yes! Staff receive up to three weekends off throughout the summer.
How about weekends?
On weekends, members will be engaged in outdoor recreational and educational activities. Weekends are also set aside for rest, letter writing and doing laundry.
What is the participant to staff ratio?
Crew sizes typically range from 5-8 corpsmembers and are lead by 1 or 2 staff members.
What are the benefits of the program?
As a member of the Summer Staff, you will be able to:
- Receive an AmeriCorps Education Award worth $2362.50.
- Receive Wilderness First Aid Certification.
- Receive three weeks of paid training.
- Develop excellent leadership skills.
- Teach high school-aged youth the importance of the environment, good work ethics, and life skills.
- Live in an environment that promotes community and environmental stewardship.
- Share your knowledge of life, work, outdoor living, and environmental issues with others.
- Work in and enjoy natural areas in Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin, while protecting and improving the environment.
- Earn a competitive stipend while receiving free room and board.
- Receive up to three weekends off during the summer.
- Complete college internships.
- Get in shape, work hard, and play hard
What is the mission of the Minnesota Conservation Corps Summer Youth Program?
The mission is to provide meaningful, productive, gainful employment and opportunities for young men and women of the state in a healthy outdoor atmosphere. MCC constitutes an opportunity for training young people basic and employable skills, instilling knowledge of and appreciation for Minnesota’s natural environment, and accomplishing projects of long-term public benefit.
Who can I contact to learn more?
Alyson Johnson, Summer Program Coordinator
alyson.johnson@conservationcorps.org
(651) 209-9900 x.27
