FAQ for Parents

 

How can I get my son/daughter involved with the Southwest Conservation Corps?  How does the SCC application process work?

Young people interested in participating in a program of the Southwest Conservation Corps are encouraged to fill out an application and submit it to a Recruiting Coordinator.  There are four regional offices of the Southwest Conservation Corps.  It is easy to apply online at www.sccorps.org under the “Join” page. If you would prefer to have an application sent or emailed to you please contact the regional office where you would like to work.  Below is a brief overview of our application/selection process and regional contact information.

Application and Selection Process

1. Research opportunities that SCC has available and contact Recruiting Coordinators with any questions
2. Complete the application and send it to the appropriate regional office.  Applications can be found online, in our regional offices or can be sent via email, fax or mail.
3. A Recruiting Coordinator will respond within a week of application submission affirming that the application was received
4. Recruiting Coodinators contact individuals selected for the interview process.  Interviews are conducted in person unless the individual is not in the vicinity of the regional office at that time.  If this is the case, interviews are conducted by phone.
5. Final selection decisions are made based on the interviews.
6. Selection information is sent to individuals who are offered a position.

Is my son/daughter old enough to participate in an Southwest Conservation Corps program?

SCC engages young people between the ages of 12-25 years old.  You must be at least 16 years old to participate in a residential/camping program; 12 – 15 year olds can participate in local, community based, day programs.

What is my son/daughter required to bring with them as a conservation Corpsmember?

SCC provides an extensive list of required and recommended items for Corpsmembers.  It is available on our website under the “Resources” page.  Regardless of the program or location, Corpsmembers are required to be prepared with work boots (sturdy hiking boots that protect the ankle), work pants, and water containers.  If the gear requirements will inhibit you from pursuing employment at SCC please contact the Recruiting Coordinator to arrange to rent a limited number of items from SCC.

What is the male to female ratio on the conservation crews?

We strive to fill crews with a diversity of members with equal male to female ratio.  If there are not enough Corpsmembers of either gender to make this ratio we never isolate a single male or female Corpsmember.  In most cases, crews are led by both a male and a female.

Who are Crew Leaders?  What type of training are they required to have?

SCC engages an excellent staff of qualified crew leaders with variety of teaching and leadership experience.  Crew Leaders must be 21 years of age and have completed their Wilderness First Aid and CPR Certifications.  Crew Leaders go through a detailed driver training seminar and multiple staff training discussions.  To foster a positive crew dynamic, Crew Leaders are required to check-in regularly with their Corpsmembers and support technical, social and educational development in each individual.

My son/daughter is starting the next session with SCC.  Where is he or she going to be serving?

SCC’s conservation crews change projects and locations weekly and bi-weekly.  Due to the nature of serving with Public Land Agencies and multiple crews with various skill levels, our projects often change last minute.  In general, we are unable to tell you where your son/daughters crew will be serving until the day they leave for the work site.  Please feel free to inquire but understand that we may not have your desired information in advance.

How does the schedule work?  When will my son/daughter have days off?

SCC Corpsmembers are out in the field from nine to twelve days; one of these days may be spent exploring the local area and/or restocking necessary supplies.  During their time in the field, crews may be in remote areas with limited or no standard cell phone service.  The crews then return to the local branch (Tucson, Durango, Salida) for time off.  This two week period is called a hitch.  There are sessions that span from four to twelve hitches.  If your son/daughter is engaged in an Urban Corps or Community Corps program, Corpsmembers serve at various locations throughout the area but return home every night.

Does SCC provide accommodations and/or housing?

While Corpsmembers are out in the field working on a project SCC provides tents that the Corpsmembers share, dividing by gender.  On days off Corpsmembers are responsible for their own accommodations.  In general, Corpsmembers split hotel or hostel rooms, camp or stay with local family members or friends.  If a Corpsmember is under 18 a parent or legal guardian MUST pick them up at the end of each hitch or provide written notice otherwise.  Urban Corps and Community Corps members are responsible for their own housing and transportation to and from meeting places throughout the session.

How often do Corpsmembers receive a portion of their Living Allowance?

Corpsmembers receive funds biweekly at an average weekly living allowance of approximately $290.00 (living allowances vary depending on the program and position).  Due to the selection process and paperwork, Corpsmembers do not receive their first funds until their fourth week of service.  Final living allowance funds are mailed to Corpsmembers two weeks after the session has ended.

Can Corpsmembers receive mail?

Yes.  Please address mail to the Southwest Conservation Corps, Corpsmember: _________________________ and then the appropriate office address in Tucson, Durango or Salida.

Regional Office	Address for Corpsmember mail
Four Corners – Durango, CO	P.O. Box 2203 Durango, CO 81302
Los Valles – Salida, CO	701 E. Rainbow Blvd, Salida, CO 81201
Sonoran Desert – Tucson, AZ	1376 W. St. Mary’s Rd Tucson, AZ 85745

Will I be able to call my son/daughter while they are in the field?

This is project dependent as some weeks crews will be in remote areas without cell service; other weeks they will be within cell phone reception.  However, use of cell phones by Corpsmembers is prohibited while in the field with SCC.  In case of emergency, please notify the regional office or use the On-Call emergency numbers listed in the Corpsmember Handbook.

Does SCC offer health insurance for Corpsmembers?

SCC cannot offer individual insurance plans for all Corpsmembers.  However, we do have a Worker’s Compensation program for injuries and illnesses that occur as a result of serving with SCC.  Corpsmembers who commit to a year-long AmeriCorps term with SCC are eligible for health insurance coverage through our program.

Why was my son/daughter not selected to be a Corpsmember?

Part of SCC’s purpose is to serve youth in the Southwest through  program opportunities that facilitate Corpsmember development. We receive many more applications than we have positions to fill each session.  We are looking for applicants that will get the most out of our program while full-filling the requirements of the session.  SCC has sessions year round and is always selecting applicants at one of the office locations.  If you were not offered a position this time, please let the Recruiting Coordinator know that you are interested in the next session and would like to be considered.