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Imagine moving a 300-pound rock without the use
of power tools or uncovering a bridge buried under several feet of debris. Grand Teton National Park's Youth
Conservation Program (YCP) teens can handle the task and many others as part of an outgoing, hands-on crew that helps
the park address maintenance demands for ten weeks each summer.
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Since its inception, dozens of young men and women, 16 to 19 years old have worked, earned, and learned
in the highly successful program. Participants
build trails, remove debris, install bear-proof containers, repair historic
sites, pull exotic weeds, clear vegetation, learn stone masonry, and build
fences all while hiking miles of the park each day. Collaborative park teams
work with the YCP teens to provide a unique education in park history, fire, safety, and rescue
training.
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YCP relies on generous gifts from Foundation members to fund its programming. Gifts in-kind provided
by local businesses also allowed the crew to work safely and in
style: Mountain Khakis provided sturdy pants,
Skinny Skis supplied work boots,
and Lee’s Tees donated T-shirts and hats with imprinting for the
participants.
The YCP team has become the coveted go-to group in the park for projects.
This valuable park program not only provides
gainful employment for teens, it helps participants develop a personal
conservation ethic and accomplishes much-needed work in Grand Teton National
Park. With gifts from members, the Foundation not only intends to fund this
program well into the future, but to expand to additional work crews. Foundation funds provide wages for the youth,
and park trail supervisory staff, tools and bus transportation to the park each day. If you would
like to support the YCP and possibly inspire a teen to pursue a career based
on their summer experience, email the Foundation at director@gtnpf.org or
go to the
Join page.
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Site Map
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tel: 307-732-0629 fax: 307-732-0639
PO Box 249 Moose, WY 83012 25 S. Willow Suite 10, Jackson WY
email: director@gtnpf.org
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© 2005 Grand Teton National Park Foundation,
SITE designed by Laura Quinlivan and Audrey Hagen
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