By: Quinn Swope, Summer Outdoor Youth Corps Intern, 2025
Alternative Spring Break program 2022, astounded by wintercreeper
If you had told me four years ago that I would be in the position of Outdoor Youth Corps (OYC) Summer Intern, I would have gotten a chuckle out of that. However, 2025 Quinn Swope, AKA me, is viewing this position as a major landmark in my life. With that said, hello! I am the 2025 Summer OYC Intern! I have been with OYC since 2022, when I joined the Alternative Spring Break program and spent five days in cold, rainy, and muddy weather, digging up wintercreeper (Euonymous fortunei) in Tower Grove Park. I did not know then that it was love at first sight. From that single season unfolded seven more seasons of comradery, fun, work, and most importantly, a path forward. Before OYC, I did not have a clue about my future. I pondered being a lawyer, I explored joining the Airforce, but nothing stuck. Working with my hands always had an appeal, and nature was something I had always grown up with. All it took was an AP Environmental course, a beautiful trip to Oregon, and one week working in some unfortunate conditions to ignite the spark for the love that I have for the environment. From OYC, I have gained so many skills that have supported and benefitted me on my current path. I am currently earning my associates degree in horticulture at St. Louis Community College Meramec campus!
GreenTeen Alliance Basecamp, Summer Crew program 2023
What I did not know going into OYC was that I would be introduced to other organizations with similar purposes within St. Louis, also connecting youth and young adults to green career pathways. The Green Teen Alliance (GTA) brought me into proximity with organizations that I did not even know existed. One of my favorite groups to work with is the Flight Crew with the Audubon Center. They have always been so kind and accepting, and I loved getting to talk about our different responsibilities and projects. Meeting the other GTA organizations at events such as the 2024 Career Summit provided me with experiences I will always carry with me, such as learning what my preferred work conditions are, and learning to use non-verbal communication to better my reflective thinking skills. However, the best thing that GTA offered me was an introduction to future careers. In high school, there is always such an emphasis on IMMEDIATELY knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life. Gaining knowledge of so many different careers in the green industry was extremely eye-opening and clarifying. For instance, working with Forest ReLeaf introduced me to the world of urban forestry. I had not realized that forestry was more than timber harvesting and ecological considerations: it has to do with community, something all of us have in common. Having similar interests among the peers I interacted with at the GTA Career Summit gave me a sense of belonging and happiness, something that I had not realized was missing from my education and career journey.
Water Ecology with the Missouri Department of Conservation, Summer Crew program 2024
Looking at the past, I can appreciate GTA and OYC much more. What I thought had just been a one-time experience in my life has turned into something resembling a mycelium network: a connected communication web in which I, and many others, can utilize to educate us and be introduced to a beautiful world of green jobs. Though I still do not know my exact future, I am at least certain that I have the resources to experiment, explore, and conquer whatever comes my way.
Tree healthcare assessment with Forest Releaf, Summer Crew program 2024
I am so incredibly excited for this summer, and so incredibly thankful that I have been given the opportunity to help others find their way forward. GTA Basecamp this year is especially exciting because there are different themes to engage with. This summer, there is a theme of connecting nature, history, and St. Louis with the World’s Fair. As someone who believes history is one of the most important subjects AND the most interesting, I think that the participants will have a blast! The Career Summit will be even more beneficial to me now than ever, considering I am graduating within the year, and need to forge my own path forward. To anyone reading this who is unsure about their career, or even what they are interested in, PLEASE consider applying for any of the GTA programs. All of them have something unique to offer, and the community is genuinely one of the best I could ever ask for. There is a “growth” mindset (pun intended) among everyone, which allows ideas to flow and lightbulbs to go off! I cannot wait to see what this summer brings, both for myself and everyone who takes part. Let the growth start here!
Green Teen Alliance Career Summit, Summer Crew program 2024