Tree Trust Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) Crew Leader Savannah has one career dealbreaker: four walls and a ceiling. “I’ve never worked an inside job, and I’m not about to start,” she laughs. Drawn to SYEP as a chance to level up her carpentry skills and grow as a leader, Savannah figured the summer would be about teaching young people. What surprised her? How much those same young people would end up teaching her.

Savannah’s journey reflects the heart of our SYEP narrative. For nearly 50 summers, this program has transformed more than just Twin Cities landscapes. SYEP profoundly shapes the lives of the young people and the staff who bring our projects to life. Participants step into the program facing firsts such as learning how to work, using hand tools, collaborating with peers, and uncovering their resilience. The result? A ripple effect of growth and inspiration. Youth gain confidence and practical skills, leaders often discover new purposes, and together they carry forward a fresh perspective on what’s possible.

This summer, Savannah’s crew took on major projects, including rebuilding two staircases and repairing a bridge. The work was rewarding, especially when community members stopped by to thank them. “One man told us he had slipped on the old stairs last winter and nearly broke his neck,” Savannah recalls. “He was so happy to see us replacing them. That was inspiring for me and for the participants, to realize the real impact of our work.”

But the lessons weren’t just in carpentry. Savannah quickly learned that leading a crew meant balancing project efficiency with teaching moments. “Sometimes it’s easier to hand tasks to the youth who are already good at them. But if I did that, others wouldn’t get the chance to learn. I realized I had to slow down, be patient, and let them struggle through it—because that’s how they grow.”

The crew faced their share of setbacks, like realizing an early measurement error meant tearing out weeks of hard work on one staircase. “It was so disheartening,” Savannah admits. “But the young people surprised me. They could have been upset, but instead they had great attitudes. They just said, ‘Okay, let’s do it,’ and got to work. That made it so much more satisfying when we finished.” By the end of the summer, the crew had become confident builders and problem-solvers.

 “On the first day, I had to teach them the difference between a shovel and a rake,” Savannah remembers. “By the end, they’d grab their tools and get right to work without me asking. That transformation was incredible.”

For Savannah, the biggest personal takeaway was patience. “I can get caught up in finishing projects as fast as possible. But this program is so much more than that. It’s about teaching youth workplace skills and confidence. Sometimes you sacrifice efficiency to build those skills, and that’s worth it.”

Working outside also revealed something deeper. “There’s something about being outdoors that changes young people. At first, they struggled with attention and wanted to be on their phones. By the end, they were leaving phones in the van without me asking and working for hours without distraction. The environment engaged them in a way a traditional classroom never could.”

For Savannah, SYEP was more than just a summer job; it was the spark that ignited her passion for education in an outdoor setting. “It’s been amazing to see participants so excited about being outdoors,” she shares. Her experience this summer inspired her to consider a career in environmental education. As she returns to the University of Minnesota this fall, she’s eager to keep exploring that path while working toward her degree.

Savannah’s story is a great example of the Tree Trust’s mission in action. Her crew gained important work and interpersonal skills, transformed a community landscape, and EVERYONE moved forward with shared memories of a summer project they will never forget.

By supporting Tree Trust’s Career Pathways programs, you help more young people gain skills, discover their passions, and take steps toward meaningful careers. Donate Today to grow the next generation of environmental leaders.