CHARLOTTE -- Teens from around the state are spending their summer making a difference in Charlotte.
- Youth crew of 16 year olds to 18 years olds make up the North Carolina Youth Conservation Corps
- The team works eight-hour days cleaning up invasive plant species
- They get paid minimum wage
It’s an outdoor duty that’s not your typical summer gig.
A youth crew of 16 year olds to 18 year olds make up the North Carolina Youth Conservation Corps. They're cleaning up invasive plant species at McDowell Nature Preserve.
The work requires them to head out as early as 7 a.m. They also spend the month living on campgrounds.
During their eight-hour day, they put down cellphones and focus on nature and team work.
“I think it's a lot greater than being bored at home all summer,” crew leader Mitchell Miller said.
The teens get paid minimum wage for their hard labor. Some say they want to come back as crew leaders next year.