ROCK BRIDGE MEMORIAL STATE PARK, COLUMBIA — When Noah Luetkemeyer finished the spring semester at Mizzou’s business school, he focused on prospective jobs for the summer. The market being tight and opportunities limited, he reluctantly prepared to don a bagger’s apron at a local grocery. Although honorable work, Luetkemeyer wanted something more challenging than remembering to put the bread on top of the potatoes. A suggestion from his older brother changed his summer. He recommended Noah apply for the State Parks Youth Corps (SPYC).

“My brother saw it on the news and knew it’d be something I’d like,” said Luetkemeyer, 20, who was raised in rural Osage County and has a strong attachment to the outdoors. Now, instead of working at the grocery, he spends his days in Rock Bridge guiding interpretive tours. Launched by Governor Jay Nixon, the SPYC program offers temporary, summer employment to nearly 1,000 Missourians ages 17 to 24 at Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites. The idea is for participants to “Think Outside” by enhancing the beauty of the state parks and participating in their operation with jobs that range from weed eating to web design. SPYC is implemented by local Workforce Investment Boards in conjunction with the Department of Natural Resources. At Rock Bridge, the program is operated by the Central Missouri Community Action Agency (CMCA), which selects applicants who qualify by income.

Statewide, parks have used the influx of youth corps labor to start or finish big projects which were tabled because of lack of manpower. At Rock Bridge, Superintendent Jim Gast said he intends to use the youth corps to maintain the grounds as well as complete other maintenance projects, such as painting. Gast said he is pleased with the applicants provided by CMCA.

“I’ve been really impressed with the people we’ve had out here,” said Gast.

Although he takes on maintenance work (such as “invasive species control,” which he said is a euphemism for weed pulling), Luetkemeyer’s main responsibility as an interpretive aide is to guide group tours through the “boardwalk” trail. He describes the geology, wildlife, and plant life of the region, focusing on one area of interest occasionally to cater to the needs of specific groups. Shortly after he was hired, Luetkemeyer attended a three day training course at Lake of the Ozarks State Park where he learned how to give an effective presentation. He had to quickly develop a comprehensive knowledge of Missouri’s natural resources, but it was a welcome task.

“I’m still learning a lot. It’s a continual process,” he said. “But it’s a rewarding challenge. It’s not like memorizing a textbook. It’s tangible.”

On the boardwalk, Luetkemeyer is friendly, helpful, and confident. It’s obvious he’s familiar with his subjects as he explains how caves are formed, and how early settlers harnessed the water to power mills. Occasionally, he hops over the wooden banister to perform some “invasive species control” on bush honeysuckle he spies.

“This grows all over the place,” he said. “I didn’t know what it was until I started doing this.”

All down the trail, at every stop, Luetkemeyer always mentions how children perceive the particular features. In the Devils Icebox Cave, Luetkemeyer is reminded of the highlight of his job: teaching children. He looks for bats because they never fail to delight the kids. He scans the ceiling with his flashlight but there are none at the moment. The cave is cool, dark, and peaceful, with only the gentle sound of the creek rolling over the limestone.

“I feel fortunate I got this job,” he said. “It definitely beats bagging groceries.”

When asked if the youth corps experience has changed his education plans, he replied with a smile.
“The business degree is not looking nearly as attractive now.”

There are still openings in SPYC. Interested applicants should contact a local Missouri Career Center.

Story and photos by Joe Hawkins, Journalist/Grant Writer for the Central Region Workforce Investment Board.