For numerous families in St. Louis, planning for summer begins with camps. However, for teenagers, the season presents a different opportunity: a chance to develop independence, pursue interests, and venture into the real world. This is the gap that Blueprint4 aims to address.
After years of assisting families in finding summer camps through its searchable database, the organization, an initiative of the Clark-Fox Family Foundation, identified an expanding need. Parents and teens were seeking more focused guidance, particularly regarding job and volunteer opportunities.
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This year, Blueprint4 collaborated with the Saint Louis Mental Health Board and the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund to introduce the Summer in St. Louis campaign, a centralized hub aimed at connecting families with teen employment, volunteering roles, and additional resources.
“Our region is fortunate to have a wealth of opportunities,” states Abbey Barrow, program manager at Blueprint4. “However, not all families are aware of them. We want to simplify access to what is already available.”
The Importance of Summer for Teens
While younger children often require attentive care, teens encounter a different challenge: How do they navigate their newfound independence?
“It’s less about childcare,” Barrow explains. “Yet, it remains a crucial period. Teens need to stay active, learning, and engaging in positive activities.”
In the absence of structure, many teens gravitate toward screens or social media. Summer jobs and volunteer positions provide a valuable alternative that fosters confidence and skill development. “These experiences grant teens autonomy,” says Barrow. “They enable them to explore career paths, connect with new individuals, and begin contemplating their future.”
Opportunities throughout St. Louis are diverse, Barrow notes. Teens can serve as junior camp counselors, gaining leadership experience in a nurturing environment. Others might participate in college prep programs, internships, or creative avenues such as arts organizations and community centers.
Some initiatives even provide direct pathways to future careers. STEM-focused opportunities in coding, AI, and geospatial fields are expanding across the area, while apprenticeships and compensated arts programs offer practical experience in various industries.
How to Begin Your Search
For numerous teens, landing a first job or volunteer position can be daunting. “It can be intimidating,” Barrow acknowledges. “But that’s part of the process. Sometimes, you have to take that leap even when it feels uncomfortable.”
She encourages families to seek out youth-centered environments, such as camps or community programs, where teens can gather experience with additional support and mentorship.
These initial experiences don’t have to be flawless to be beneficial, Barrow emphasizes. “Sometimes, discovering what you
