
SCA’s National Crews offer you a chance to visit places you’ve never seen before, camping with your crew members in the field to enjoy nature at its best. You’ll be building trails, conserving vital habitats, and protecting natural resources for future generations. National Crews will also set you on the path to other SCA opportunities, like Conservation Internships and team-based Corps positions.
2021 National Crews Update
National Crew Participation Costs:
- Transportation to and from the site*
- Any required personal gear (i.e. work boots, backpack, sleeping bag)
National Crews:
- Include 6 to 8 high school aged members per crew
- Serve 2 to 5 weeks in the summer
- Are supervised by two experienced adult leaders
- Are usually volunteer positions
- Have highly competitive admissions
National Crew Members:
- Complete trail maintenance and restoration projects in national, regional, state, or local parks
- Live in tents** on site and cook their own meals
- Develop collaboration and leadership skills
- Work with other high school students from across the country
- Learn about local wildlife and help to preserve vital habitats
- Learn practical outdoor skills and practice Leave No Trace
- Explore local outdoor recreational opportunities with their crew on non-work days
The Ideal Candidate:
- Is 15 to 19 years old on the start date of the crew
- Is a current high school student, including graduating seniors
- Demonstrates leadership skills and/or responsibility
- Participates with extracurricular groups or volunteer organizations
- Likes working with people
- Enjoys spending time outdoors
- Wants to learn more about ecology or environmental topics
2021 National Crew Program Dates
To be eligible to participate in a National Crew, you must be available for at least one of the time frames listed below.
How to apply:
SCA crew positions are highly competitive! Last year, fewer than half of the candidates who applied received a position. Putting together an outstanding application is the best way to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
- Login or Sign Up
- Complete the online SCA application, including the National/Regional Youth Crew Program Application
- Submit your application
- Visit the How to Apply page for more tips and details
2021 National Crew Admissions Process
Updates on this process will be available in late April. Please check back soon.
April 2021
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Applications will be reviewed the first week of April
May 2021
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Applicants will be notified of acceptance and crew placement
2021 National Crew Program Dates
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Programs will run June – August 2021
Questions about National Crews?
- Start with our great FAQ section
- Can’t find what you need? Contact us at Recruiting@thesca.org
* National Crew members are eligible for travel support. Travel support is needs-based and is calculated using financial information provided my the member’s parent/guardian. Members will receive a travel support application when they are assigned to a crew.
**Occasionally crews will live in dormitory-style housing.