Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Youth Crews (15-18 year olds)

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. Youth applicants must be at least 15 years old and no older than 18 years of age by the start of the program. We strongly encourage people from all walks of life to apply, including deaf or hard-of-hearing young 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.

How much does it pay?
MCC Corpsmembers earn a weekly stipend of $185.25. The work schedule consists of 7 hours a day for 5 days a week. Paychecks are issued twice a month.

How long is the program?
The MCC Summer Program is an eight-week program in which the participants must reside at the residential site for the entire length of the program duration.

Is there any time away from the program?
Yes! There is a parents/guardian weekend mid-summer where all participants leave the residential camp and enjoy a 3-day break to be with friends and family.

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?
MCC is dedicated to hiring and training the best staff possible. All staff members are qualified leaders in the outdoor/youth development field and all undergo a thorough Criminal Background check prior to hire. Crew sizes typically range from 5-8 corpsmembers and are lead by 1 or 2 staff members.

What are the benefits of the program?
The benefits of this program are immense. Here are just a few:

• Gain valuable job and life skills.
• Visit and work in many of Minnesota’s natural areas.
• Work with many natural resource professionals and learn about their careers.
• Make a lasting contribution to conservation of Minnesota's environment.
• Travel through the state with a team of peers.
• MCC corpsmembers earn an hourly stipend. The work schedule consists of 7 hours a day for 5 days a week. You can save over $1,000.00 by the end of summer.
• Work and learn with an amazingly diverse group of people.
• Build a strong resume.
• Work and play in the great outdoors!
• Learn about Minnesota's natural history and ecology.
• A sense of belonging with a purpose.
• A once in a lifetime experience!

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.