Pictured: Meg Parent helps students with a load of thorny invasive plants. Photo courtesy of Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District.

January is National Mentoring Month — a time to celebrate the transformative power of mentorship and highlight the essential role park and recreation professionals play in fostering youth development and mentoring in local communities. Follow along throughout the month as NRPA highlights mentorship programs across the country, and be sure to check out our National Mentoring Month page for resources and ways you can get involved.

The Student Conservation Corps model is structured to provide mentorship to youth, ages 15-18, as they navigate how to pursue their interests. Through hands-on restoration activities alongside young adult leaders, local high school students experience their first job with Bainbridge Island (Washington) Metro Park & Recreation District.

In Summer 2025, these hardworking seasonal staff removed 325 yards of invasives in the blistering heat, being poked by blackberries, among other challenges. Although leadership staff work hard to ensure students are enjoying their time doing this difficult work, there isn’t always a smile on everyone’s face.

What got some students through were the mentors or leadership staff — namely, Meg Parent, who was a crew favorite this summer (pictured above). Her upbeat personality and positivity were well-recognized by students in the program, with one noting their favorite memory was “making jokes in Meg’s crew while pulling ivy.” Her ability to turn monotonous tasks into fun and safe work experiences was exceptionally impactful.

With lunchtime speakers joining the crew to share their career experiences through engaging stories and activities, we also saw low spirits revive. This career exposure and further discussion helped connect students to opportunities that they wouldn’t normally get the chance to learn about.

In the program model, we aim to create opportunities for students to learn, share, and grow alongside open and supportive staff. As a result, staff learn and grow, too! This reciprocal learning experience creates remarkable mentorship throughout the season and beyond.

Many students have asked for letters of recommendation and career advice well after they leave the program. Through developing lasting relationships with students, Student Conservation Corps staff help students succeed in and out of Bainbridge Island Metro Parks.

Sierra Cross is a volunteer program manager for Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District.