Wearing Many Hats: Cameron Doyle Cultivates His Future

At just 19, Cameron Doyle—an Enterprise for Youth alum—has already transformed his curiosity about nature into a clear career path. What began in San Francisco’s parks through the Climate Career Corps has now taken root at SFO Airport, where he’s growing toward his dream: becoming a gardener.

Discovering Nature, Discovering Himself

Cameron Doyle’s journey with Enterprise for Youth began in high school when he joined the Climate Career Corps. The following summer, he stepped into San Francisco’s parks and waterfronts, working with SF Recreation & Parks and the National Park Service across some of the city’s most iconic green spaces.

From Fort Point and the historic Batteries to the Presidio Nursery, Crissy Field, Fort Mason, the Officers’ Club, Alamo Square, and Alcatraz, Cameron contributed to habitat restoration, garden maintenance, public engagement, and the everyday care that keeps these spaces thriving. 

He took to the work wearing many hats—sometimes literally, donning bits of seaweed as a crown—showing his adaptability, ease outdoors, and playful sense of humor. Spending long hours in nature sharpened his senses so deeply that he could predict weather changes instinctively. He recalled a moment at Alamo Square when he sensed rain approaching: “The air gets really moist, and you just feel it. Being outside so much opened my eyes to details I’d never noticed before.”

Serving as a historical interpretive intern at Alcatraz added a new layer to his experience, strengthening his leadership and exposing him to work that combined environmental care with cultural preservation.

His extensive time in San Francisco’s diverse landscapes not only deepened Cameron’s connection to the environment but also pushed him to adapt, problem-solve, and lead—skills that would serve him well in every chapter that followed.

Building Confidence and Purpose

Cameron credits Enterprise for Youth and his park internships with reshaping the direction of his life. “If I hadn’t had these internships, I don’t know where I’d be,” he says. The guidance and constructive feedback he received from mentors and peers helped him grow without judgment. “People kind of guided us; they critiqued us, but didn’t shame us. That definitely helped build my confidence.”

On Alcatraz, those lessons came to life as Cameron learned to handle unexpected challenges with patience and teamwork. “It definitely taught me a lot,” he recalls. “There’s always something that comes up—safety issues or tricky situations—and since there’s only so much staff, you just have to step up and help.”

Today, he volunteers on Angel Island and with the Department of Public Works graffiti abatement program—not out of obligation, but out of a deep appreciation for these unique environments and the fulfillment he finds in contributing to San Francisco.

Lessons for Life and Work

Cameron shares lessons from his journey: “I think my biggest piece of advice is definitely look at who you're hanging out with in high school. I saw a lot of people who decided to hang out with those who thought volunteering or getting a job was stupid, and they lost a lot of potential. There were people who could have been entrepreneurs if they’d started early, but they didn’t. So I definitely say, don’t listen to everybody—choose people who encourage you to grow.”

He adds a practical tip for new job seekers: “Always double-check every job application. If you miss something, it can delay you for weeks.”

From Airport Gates to Garden Paths

As a baggage agent at SFO Airport, Cameron is building essential professional and teamwork skills while preparing to apply for the San Francisco Recreation & Park Department’s Gardener Apprenticeship. He explains that getting hired at the airport was rigorous due to a thorough vetting process involving fingerprinting, FBI background checks, and TSA clearance. Despite these hurdles, Cameron secured the role and is making the most of this opportunity.

The Gardener Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with horticulture courses through City College of San Francisco. Cameron is hopeful his hands-on experience with Enterprise for Youth internships will count toward a full year of credit, bringing him even closer to turning his passion for nature into a lifelong career.

Seeds of a Supportive Future

As he looks ahead, Cameron hopes to see even more opportunities for Enterprise for Youth graduates to stay engaged—whether through career pipelines, volunteer projects, or mentoring the next generation.

“Enterprise for Youth changed my life,” he says. “If I hadn’t had these internships, I’d be walking into jobs with no experience.”

Cameron’s story reminds us that growth isn’t just about finding your path—it’s about cultivating it, one project, one park, and one lesson at a time.