The following was written and photographed by Elizabeth Menjivar, an intern in King County’s 6-week Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) program last summer. The 24 interns participated in workshops to deepen their connection with nature, went on field trips to meet professionals engaged in conservation work, and engaged in thoughtful conversations about environmental justice.
Digital cameras are trending lately, you know? They’ve always been the perfect way to capture meaningful moments in your life, those that stick with you long after they’ve passed. That’s what I spent my summer doing: capturing one of the best summers I’ve ever had with King County Parks’ Youth Conservation Corps (YCC).
As a high schooler, I wanted to experience something meaningful to add to my college applications. That’s when the opportunity popped up on my screen: “6-week internship – Youth Conservation Corps with King County Parks”.
I had some doubts before applying. I didn’t feel like I had the social skills to be considered for the YCC, nor the confidence to fit in with people outside school whom I had never met. I usually prefer to stay with what feels familiar. After hesitating for a bit, I submitted my application without truly expecting a response back. But after a couple of interviews, I was thrilled to be accepted.
On the first day of YCC, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would we be treated as if we were in a professional environment or would it feel more like another version of summer school? What surprised me the most was that it was nothing like I imagined.
On my first day, I connected immediately with some of the interns over our shared music interests, our go-to drinks, and what we were passionate about, and sharing small moments made unfamiliarity feel welcoming. It was far more rewarding than I could have asked for, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.
The summer cohort was divided into two groups: one located in White Center and the other in Skyway. We all met every Wednesday to work on restoration, pulling out Himalayan Blackberry and English Ivy at local King County parks. Beyond restoration days, each cohort had their own schedule with many workshops ranging from career panels and environmental justice discussions with King County staff to kayaking at the Duwamish river, tide pooling, and hiking. Sometimes our workshops overlapped, which gave everyone a chance to spend time with the other interns outside our own cohort.
One that stood out to me was a natural dyes workshop, whereby using materials like dried flowers and onion skin, we each dyed our own bandanas. I was drawn to how each bandana turned out differently, with diverse patterns made by the flowers and unexpected colors, even if we had started with the same materials.
Not long after the first week of YCC, I decided to bring my camcorder with me to capture what we were up to. YCC also provided disposable cameras so that everyone had a chance to capture the program from their own perspective, whether it was restoration days, our breaks, or workshops. I started filming and it became a habit to look back at the videos the moment I got home. My camera roll filled up in just a couple of weeks, while documenting how an unfamiliar place turned into a shared community.
One of the most memorable workshops both cohorts shared was at Ayeko Farm, a BIPOC-owned and community-focused farm in Enumclaw. During our time at the farm, we harvested berries and vegetables to prepare a farm-to-table meal. It was the first time we had a full day together without any restoration work at all. Between chopping, harvesting, baking, and shared laugher, our bonds became stronger, and good food came out of the oven.
Not everything made it onto my camcorder. It would have been impossible to record every moment outside, but I’m sure every intern took something meaningful from YCC with them.
As for me, I’m thankful to have been part of this program. It not only opened new doors to environmental careers I wasn’t aware of, but it also helped me see the world – and myself differently than I did before. I stopped feeling intimidated to try new things outside of what seemed “comfortable”. I learned something new every day from the other interns and our workshop facilitators, who all shared a mutual care for the environment. Most of all, this past summer was a reminder of the value of being open to trying things that might feel unfamiliar, because they can become experiences you will hold on to long after.
Interested in becoming a 2026 YCC Intern? Applications open Monday, April 13 so visit our website to learn more!
