This past March, 12 SCA crew members from Houston and Atlanta trekked to Grand Teton National Park to learn and serve. For several members, the adventure was a journey full of firsts, from leaving home to seeing clouds from an airplane window, visiting a national park and seeing snow.
Through a partnership with the Grand Teton Science School in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the SCA expanded its first-time outdoor recreation adventures and built equitable access to nature for Black, Indigenous, and other underrepresented high school crew members ages 15-19.
Founded in 1957, the SCA fielded its first volunteers at Grand Teton National Park. Fast-forward to today and program participants are once again immersed in studying the natural sciences in one of the most beautiful and ecologically complex wilderness areas in North America
“I’ve never had the opportunity to see or experience anything like this before. Upon our arrival to a literal winter wonderland, all signs were already pointing to the results of a remarkable experience,” said Houston crew member Jericho De-Jesus Pineda Rodriguez. “Not only did I get to learn about the adaptations the indigenous people invented that were influenced by animals, but I also got to spend time researching with my awesome older brother Elijah. I’ve grown in a countless amount of ways. I’ve grown mentally, socially, and even spiritually from this experience.”
This week-long field education experience focused on ecology and leadership so program participants could understand how to ethically interact with the landscape and the wildlife that inhabits it. Alongside knowledgeable instructors, they sharpened their analytical thinking and scientific skills and conducted field research projects focusing on coexisting with wildlife through observation and hands-on exploration.
“If two words could describe this trip in its entirety it would be: First experiences. Never in my life had I been so far away from home, slept in a room with complete strangers at first, or been on a plane,” said Atlanta crew member Daniel Villvianco. “From solidifying my dream career path to reinforcing my love for nature, the SCA has changed my life yet again. I tried things that I’d never done or even knew existed, like snow tubing, snowshoeing and star gazing. Even though I only left my footprints in the Tetons, I took with me memories that changed my outlook on my life as a whole.”
The Deidre Bainbridge Wildlife Fund’s Grizzly 399 Project made the trip possible, with special thanks to SCA board member Terri Thomas and her husband, Ray. The SCA is also grateful to the Teton Science School for hosting the program
The SCA offers young people from all walks of life the opportunity to learn and grow through hands-on environmental conservation programs. You can help with a donation to the Student Conservation Association.
