Green Jobs: Shaping the Future of Outdoor Leadership

If you ask the teens in NatureConnect’s Green Jobs program what they did this summer, you won’t just hear about hiking trails or helping on field trips. You’ll hear how their perspective on nature — and on themselves — has shifted in lasting ways.

Green Jobs is a paid summer internship for high school students ages 15–18, designed to build leadership, career readiness, and outdoor education skills. Each year, between 8-11 interns are selected to work alongside outdoor professionals and community organizations who provide personalized, supportive learning environments. The program is especially focused on reaching youth who may not always see themselves represented in outdoor careers, particularly BIPOC youth, while remaining open to all students.

Through their work experiences, interns get hands-on experience leading younger kids on field trips, supporting outdoor programs, and even engaging in advocacy work in the environmental sector. While the goal of the program is not for every program participant to become have a lifelong career in the green sector, our hope is that it does open the door to this possibility for some youth, and mainly that this experience solidifies and deepens their connection to the outdoors.

What They Told Us, in Their Own Words

This year, we sat down with interns to ask them not just about their own experience, but what their thoughts and feelings were about the relationship that both teens and younger kids have with screen time. This summer, they were forced to unplug in a new way, and also be around kids who they spent full days outside with. Here’s what they shared about the thoughts about green time vs. screen time:

“After Green Jobs, I always try to find something to do outdoors instead of just being on my phone. It changed how I use my time.”
“You connect way more with nature… it brought a lot of positivity into my life.”
“It’s sad to see little kids on iPads at restaurants instead of coloring or just talking with family. I want them to know that once you minimize screen time, you realize how many beautiful things are out there.”
“Kids who had less screen time were more creative, less irritable, and had fewer tantrums. Being outside made a big difference.”

These voices are powerful not because we scripted them, but because they are authentic. The interns themselves recognize how spending time in nature builds confidence, curiosity, and joy — and how they can pass that experience on to younger kids.

End-of-Season Reflections

Here are other excerpts from their end-of-season reflections:

“After the internship I feel like I would love to work outdoors, because the relaxation I felt during my time working is something I’d like in other jobs.”
“I learned how a few people can and do make a HUGE impact for protecting our natural spaces. This inspires me to do more activism and advocacy and encourage others to do their part as citizens.”
“I feel like I am a lot more comfortable and confident in nature. I am able to use or connect with nature when I am feeling down or need time alone.”
“Throughout my internship I’ve realized nature and the outdoors have more than what we think. I’ve learned how to value it and not take it for granted. Now, even on days off I go out and see all the beauty nature has to offer.”
“I’m really proud of the way I handled this summer. My greatest achievement was probably being a safe person for our shy campers.”
“I felt like being outside in nature with a group of kids really helped me to stop being so involved with social media and enjoy being in the present. I honestly love being outside now…you can definitely see the difference in yourself.”

The Ripple Effect: Why It Matters for Central Oregon

The impact of Green Jobs goes beyond the interns themselves. Many noticed striking differences in the kids they worked with this summer. Children who were more accustomed to outdoor play showed more creativity, patience, and joy. Those who relied heavily on screens often struggled with imagination, group participation, and even managing frustration.

These reflections underline why programs like Green Jobs are so important. They don’t just create leaders — they help shift habits and open doors for kids across Central Oregon. When older youth model curiosity, teamwork, and unplugged connection, the ripple effect reaches classrooms, families, and the community as a whole.

Looking Ahead

NatureConnect is proud to partner with Bend Park and Recreation, High Desert Museum, Vámonos Outside, and other community organizations to grow the Green Jobs program. As participation expands, we see a future where more diverse young people step into leadership roles, more kids experience the outdoors as a normal part of their lives, and Central Oregon continues to be a place where nature connects us all.

Green Jobs is shaping that future — one intern, one child, and one summer at a time.