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"MCC allowed me to build stronger character and become more out going. I hope to continue growing in many aspects to build that stronger personality and great work habit. I will always carry what I learned at MCC with me."
- Erin Randall, 2005 and 2006 corpsmember |
About MCC and the Summer Program |
The Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) is a non-profit organization focused on conservation and public service projects that incorporate service-learning and youth development.
The 8 week residential Summer Youth Program's philosophy is to develop youth through natural resource work and educational and recreational activities. The summer program provides summer jobs for youth, ages 15-18. It is unique in that it involves youth who are hearing, deaf and hard of hearing. Youth will travel and work as a team to complete various conservation projects.
Corpsmembers also participate in educational activities 5 hours each week. Hands-on learning includes environmental education, American Sign Language, and local history and culture.
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The Challenge |
Corpsmembers live with diverse youth from across Minnesota and neighboring states, whose backgrounds, interests, and abilities may be different than their own. MCC can be challenging in that corpsmembers work, live, and spend time with each other for the entire summer. Corpsmembers are asked to step outside their comfort zone and learn to live and work with different people. The challenging environment of the Summer Program results in having the experience of a lifetime. |
The Work Component |
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We expect our corpsmembers (staff and youth) to work hard, rain or shine, to uphold the mission of MCC. Much of the work is exhausting, but the rewards are great. Whatever the job, staff and youth will learn teamwork and new job skills.
Projects in the past have included:
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- Trail maintenance and construction
- Foot bridge construction
- Invasive/exotic species removal
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- Planting
- Building retention walls for erosion control
- Wildlife projects
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Youth will be traveling to various locations (called “spike” trips) to accomplish these projects. Spike trips are work projects that are completed outside of St. Croix State Park, and can last anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks. Crews are usually made up of six corpsmembers and under the guidance of an experienced crew leader and assistant crew leader. Past spike trips have taken place at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Superior National Forest, Voyageurs National Park, several state parks, and other conservation organizations throughout Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
Spike life includes:
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- Crew will be working outdoors seven hours a day on weekdays
- Camping in tents
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- Cooking over camp stoves
- Living and working as a team
- Exploring Minnesota
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Educational and Recreational Activities |
The Summer Youth Program includes daily educational activities. Corpsmembers have many opportunities to learn about the environment, careers, and leadership. Sharing and learning about deaf culture and American Sign Language is also part of daily life at MCC.
Recreational activities, such as canoeing, hiking, fishing, visiting interpretive centers and museums, and learning about local history and culture, occur each weekend. |
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Being a part of MCC has taught me so much. I think the most important thing was inclusion. I tend to stand aside but I think this experience helped me to step up and show my leadership skills. I am more confident in myself and have a better affect on the people around you.
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Brittany H., 2008 Corpsmember
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Residential Living |
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St. Croix State Park is the base camp for the Summer Program. While in the park, you'll sleep in rustic cabins and have family-style meals with other corpsmembers and crew leaders. MCC provides free room and board for all members.
While on spike, you will camp in a tent, cook over a camp stove, and explore the local area outside of the work day. |
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Summer Program Rules |
Click here for rules |
MCC was truly a great experience. I have learned how to be a leader and a hard worker. I have learned that I can really do anything I put my mind to. And I learned how to be more conscientious of the environment.
- Alexis C., 2008 Corpsmember
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Last summer was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I learned more about the environment, myself and others then I would have at any regular job. I renewed my interest in sign language, and have been working towards better proficiency since then.
- Carolyn Leedham, 2005 Corpsmember
It’s given me a sense of pride and independence. I’m proud to have participated in this type of work to help conserve our resources etc. I also feel independent because it’s my first summer away from home, and even though there were adults here, I still felt like I was a bit more in charge of myself.
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Ariana H., 2008 Corpsmember
This was a hard job, but I loved the outdoor work and meeting people from all over the state.
-2000 Summer Youth Corpsmember |
