Get Paid to Protect the Islands - Winter YCC Applications Now Open!

YCC is excited to continue its Winter Program in partnership with local organizations and agencies, including Ecostudies Institute, The National Park Service, San Juan Preservation Trust, Salish Wildlife Rescue, and the Bureau of Land Management.

The Winter YCC program will accept 15 crew members for the 2026–27 season. The crew will meet 1–2 Saturdays per month from September through May, giving youth an opportunity to stay involved in conservation work, continue building their skills, and spend time outside throughout the school year. Crew members will receive a $25 stipend for each workday.

What will we work on? 

This fall/winter, the YCC crew will take part in hands-on conservation projects around San Juan Island. Planned projects include native seed collection at American Camp, planting at English Camp, and fuel reduction work at Mitchell Hill, with additional projects for 2027 currently in development.

Each workday will also include an environmental education lesson connected to the day’s conservation project, giving crew members a chance to better understand the ecosystems, organizations, and conservation issues behind their work.

Transportation:

Projects will take place at various sites on San Juan Island. Transportation from the Friday Harbor ferry terminal to project sites can be provided for crew members traveling from Orcas or Lopez Islands.

Apply For YCC!

Applications for the Winter YCC 2026–27 Program are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. You will be notified soon after your application has been submitted.