The Montana Conservation Corps inspires young people to be stewards of the land and improve their communities.
With funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana’s Blue ImpactSM program, MCC enrolled nearly 300 participants in hands-on outdoor service, including dozens of Piikuni tribal members.
Blue Impact grants support organizations working to address social and economic factors that affect health.
Teens participated in 11-day, six-day, three-day and daylong volunteer expeditions, as well as a limited summer-long program. The experiences foster resilience and purpose as participants learn problem-solving and job skills while preserving public and tribal lands.
“I think this kind of work fills young people, in a very complex world, with a sense of hope and purpose for their lives,” says MCC CEO Jono McKinney.