News

For students who love the outdoors, community, and working with others, the Trees Atlanta Junior Intern Program offers more than just a summer volunteer opportunity; it provides a chance to grow into a leader. 

Designed for rising 7th – 12th graders, the Junior Intern Program invites students to spend two weeks of their summer fully immersed in Junior TreeKeeper Camp. Junior Interns support camp counselors with daily activities like arts and crafts, outdoor games, hikes, environmental lessons, and supervising campers on bikes. Along the way, they earn volunteer hours, build leadership skills, and experience the joy (and occasional chaos!) of camp life, all under the guidance of Trees Atlanta staff. 

For Dylan and Reese Seinberg, twins and juniors at Midtown High School, that experience proved to be life-changing.

Dylan Seinberg: Finding Confidence, Purpose, and a Love for Leadership

As a freshman in high school, I applied for the Trees Atlanta Junior Intern Program after learning about it from my school’s STEM fair. I loved volunteering, and this opportunity allowed me to work with children while gaining a further understanding of Atlanta’s natural environment. That said, while I was aware of and always admired Trees Atlanta, acting as a Junior Intern fully transformed my perspective of the urban forest we live in. 

My time as a Junior Intern lives to be one of the most formative and engaging experiences of my life. It is one that has granted me knowledge, skills, and memories that continue to influence my future. During my experience, I gained over 120 volunteer hours, while simultaneously gaining insight into who I want to become. I now know I would love to work with children and am actively considering career paths like pediatric medicine and teaching. 

Two experiences in particular shaped my summer and further grew my love of working with kids. For both summers, I worked with the youngest age group, Sassafras (rising 1st graders). My first summer, I met the kindest, funniest, and sweetest camper. Throughout my time, he never failed to make me laugh or smile, and did the same to those around him. On my last day, he gave me the biggest hug, and that was when I knew that I loved working with children.

My second summer, I was lucky enough to meet another camper who had the most amazing sense of curiosity, as well as a big heart and desire to learn. Throughout the week, she was complimentary in saying I was an amazing junior intern, she loved spending time with me, and on the last day, she told me that I was her favorite junior intern. In that moment, I knew I had made an impact on someone, which is an experience I’ll never forget.

Being surrounded by an amazing staff, I learned the importance of having empathetic, trustworthy, and supportive individuals as leaders. As a Junior Intern, I always felt comfortable to ask questions and I was always encouraged to learn about myself and the environment in the process. I learned ways to identify the wildlife around me and what makes Atlanta’s environment so special. I learned how to be a responsible leader and built upon soft skills like empathy and active listening. 

When I began the Junior Internship, I was shy and somewhat hesitant to lead. However, I saw that by the end, I felt fully comfortable. My experience showed me that things often seem bigger and scarier than they really are. It proved the impact of going into an experience with an open mindset, and how it allows you to move forward and make positive changes. 

Driven by their values of environmental conservation and education, the Trees Atlanta summer program is an amazing opportunity for any student, especially those who enjoy learning and working with others. Participating in the junior internship was easily one of the most rewarding opportunities to which I am beyond grateful I got to be a part of. To anyone considering applying, this experience is amazing and for the right person it can and will change your life.

“Over the past two summers, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working directly with Dylan at camp and am so thankful for her assistance in looking after our youngest group of campers. Dylan is an incredibly peaceful, positive, and patient leader. She has a gentle way of comforting campers and encouraging them to do the right thing. She remains engaged with the campers she serves and selflessly seeks ways to be helpful throughout sweltering summer days. I’m certain the leadership strategies she’s developed throughout her time as a JTK Camp Junior Intern will serve her well in future endeavors.”  — Collin W. Clayton, Education Senior Lead and former Sassafras Camp Counselor

Reese Seinberg: Building Confidence Through Connection

During my time as a Junior Intern over the course of two summers, I accumulated over 130 service hours. Beyond that, I learned what a workplace environment may encompass and was able to build meaningful connections with the campers I worked with. That said, I began volunteering with Trees Atlanta after I heard about it from my sister, and the skills and knowledge I gained from my experience as a Junior Intern will remain with me as I move into other roles in the future. 

For the two summers I volunteered with Trees Atlanta, I was placed with the Quercus group (2nd – 3rd graders). On a typical day, we would bike around the Atlanta Beltline and do our Tree of the Day, among other activities. During my time as a Junior Intern, I was able to work with incredible members of the Trees Atlanta team who allowed me to practice taking leadership roles on a daily basis. Additionally, I was able to meet and form connections with so many incredible campers and create memories that I will continue to look back on. 

Some of my favorite times during my internship were simply interacting with the campers. Whether it was playing a hand game or eating lunch together, each time I was able to build a connection was meaningful. 

As a more quiet person, I have always struggled with using my voice. However, my time as a Junior Intern allowed me to become more comfortable with speaking up, which is something that will positively impact me for the rest of my life. In this internship, you regularly work and communicate with other Junior Interns, counselors, and campers. One of the largest aspects of any career is communication, which is something that this internship allowed me to constantly practice, engage in, and become more comfortable with. After high school, I want to eventually become a lawyer, which is a career that is highly dependent on communicating with your colleagues and clients. Because of what I have learned from my time as a Junior Intern, I feel more prepared for the future, which is invaluable to me. 

During the program, you will likely encounter challenges, but these challenges will help you to gain valuable skills and build relationships with those around you. For me, I was able to connect with so many campers and practice communication and leadership.

Becoming a Junior Intern was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and allowed me to develop skills that I will take with me in my future. That said, I could not recommend this experience more to anyone considering applying for it, as it allowed me to build relationships and create memories that I will continue to look back on.

“Reese has such a fun presence with the campers she serves. She brings so much positive energy to each interaction with them. In the time she’s volunteered with us, she’s displayed a keen ability to inspire passion for environmentalism in younger learners. Every day at camp, she sets a precedent for how much fun it can be to play and explore in nature. I can’t recall a time at camp when Reese wasn’t smiling!” — Collin W. Clayton, Education Senior Lead and former Sassafras Camp Counselor

Apply for Summer 2026

Trees Atlanta is now accepting applications for the Summer 2026 Junior Intern Program. If you’re a student who enjoys learning, working with others, and spending time outdoors, this program offers the chance to build skills, make connections, and create memories that last far beyond summer camp.

About the Authors

My name is Dylan Seinberg and I am a junior at Midtown High School. I am involved in various clubs at my school, many which prioritize community outreach and volunteering. I participate in my school’s sports medicine staff, where I get to fulfill my desire to learn more about medicine. I am passionate about community service, animals, and running, and my dream in life is to help and support other people.

My name is Reese Seinberg and I am a Junior at Midtown High School. Outside of school, I am passionate about dance and I enjoy getting to know those around me.