A better you

Our programs are designed to help you gain the fundamental job skills, experience, and work ethic needed to reach any career goal – be it teacher, doctor, or wilderness ranger. Our programs have something to provide both a teenager looking for their first summer work experience and a recent college grad needing specific certifications to land their dream job. No matter the path you are on, we can help you reach your goals!





A better planet

It is important to know that the work you do matters! We partner with land management agencies and like-minded non-profits across the west to complete high priority conservation projects designed to improve the lands and communities we serve. Typical projects include trail building, fuels reduction, habitat enhancement, stream restoration, and a host of other activities our interns perform, like monitoring bats in Idaho caves!

job skills focus

Teamwork
Teamwork
Conservation Principles
Conservation Principles
Work Ethic
Work Ethic
Hand Tool Use
Hand Tool Use
Communication
Communication
Sawyer Skills (limited)
Sawyer Skills (limited)
Leadership
Leadership
Wildfire Prevention
Wildfire Prevention

Youth Programs

Youth Community Program (15-18)

With experienced field staff guiding you, Youth Community participants complete service projects in their community with local park agencies and non-profit partners. Crews meet at a designated drop-off/pick-up site, Monday through Friday. Members spend an average of 6.5 hours per day on service-projects along with one hour per day participating in education lessons.
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Youth Camping Program (ages 16-18)

The residential Youth Camping program combines education and job skills training with outdoor adventure for 16 to 18 year olds. With the guidance of experienced field staff, youth crew members work on conservation, reforestation, and recreation projects, while developing leadership and teamwork skills. Crews camp for their entire session, traveling to new projects often and pursuing outdoor adventures on the weekends.
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Backcountry Leadership Program (ages 16-19)

Backcountry Leadership Program (BLP) provides additional leadership skills and training for those who excelled in a previous youth camping session. BLP’ers hike deep into secluded wilderness areas and work on intense, challenging, and technical projects, while practicing skills like goal setting, time management, positive motivation, and group leadership.
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Young Adult Programs (ages 19+)

Young Adult Program

The Young Adult Program integrates team-based work projects, education, and on-site vocational training into an experience that prioritizes personal growth, and the development of conservation work skills. Participants develop technical skills working on a variety of conservation projects while developing the soft skills needed to be successful in any career field.
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Community Wildfire Protection Corps

CWPC Crews operate in partnership with fire professionals to complete high-priority projects that reduce the threat of wildfires on communities. An advanced educational curriculum accompanies the experience, with lessons ranging from group dynamics and environmental policy to stewardship and resource management.
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Leadership Development Program

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) offers advanced training to aspiring outdoor enthusiasts interested in pursuing leadership roles with conservation and outdoor organizations. Participants develop hard skills working on technical conservation projects while developing the soft skills required to successfully lead groups in the outdoors.
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Individual Positions

Internship Program

Our Internship Program provides training and hands-on experience with land and water resource management agencies, such as the National Park Service, United States Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state organizations and non-profits, in Idaho, Northern California, Oregon and Washington. 
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Field Staff

Our field staff perform many roles and are the key to our program’s success. They understand that being a leader is much more than being a boss. They have the drive, commitment, and mental toughness to carry them through the unexpected challenges that arise at the most inopportune of times: a remote location with bad weather, in the middle of trying to complete a mile of new trail, finish a bridge, or eradicate an invasive species.
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Working to Diversify the Outdoors

At Northwest Youth Corps, we believe diversity is an essential source of strength for our communities, and we strive to create a safe and empowering environment for all participants and staff from the widest range of backgrounds and abilities.  While we are privileged to facilitate conservation service on our public lands, with humility, we also acknowledge that injustice and violence was at the heart of acquiring these lands.  Therefore, we are deeply invested in addressing this traumatic legacy by supporting youth and young adults of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, religions, sexual orientations, economic status, and/or other socio-cultural identifiers to learn, grow, and experience success in our programs, and beyond. A key element of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fielding single-identity affinity crews and internships to support communities historically under-served in the outdoor space.

Affinity Programs

ASL Inclusion Crews
RAINBOW LGBTQ+
CREWS
Tribal Stewards Crews
All-Women's Crews
Sound to Summit Crews

Promoting personal GROWTH

Alumni testimonials

"One of the best experiences of my life. Working hard in a team environment for a common goal. What could be better at that young age!"
-Rory B.
-Rory B.Youth Crewmember
"A life changing experience. Northwest Youth Corps helped me during my youth when I was struggling the most. I couldn't wait for the summer to feel so empowered by hard working individuals."
-Virginia G.
-Virginia G.
"I have very fond memories of Northwest Youth Corps. I went 20+ years ago. I highly recommend it, you find out so much about yourself on the journey, it's so much more than a summer job."
-Allison G.
-Allison G.
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