Sierra Young
Flying Squirrels Instructor
Sierra graduated from the University of Utah in 2023 with a B.S. in Sociology, where she cultivated a strong foundation in youth development and social connection. Over the last six years, she has served as a Youth Lead for the American Red Cross Youth Services, a staff member at ARC Leadership Development Camps, a volunteer for grief support groups at The Sharing Place, and an Honors Peer Mentor at the University of Utah Honors College among other professional and leadership roles.
To Sierra, joining Down to Earth Nature School felt like the convergence of all she holds dear: nature, storytelling, cultural connection, and the wonder of childhood. She feels profoundly grateful to help children rediscover their innate curiosity and relationship with the Earth—dirty hands, open hearts, and all.
Sierra Young, a Utah native with a global perspective, brings a deep sense of place and purpose to her role as a youth instructor at Down to Earth Nature School. Her earliest experiences with the natural world began alongside her Hawaiian grandfather, Tutu, who nurtured her connection to the land and instilled in her a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. This bond was solidified at age 10 during a transformative summer camp in Oʻahu.
In the heart of Hawai'i, she learned about native fishing and farming techniques, primitive tools and weapons, and the stories of her ancestors—experiences that awakened her belief in the power of experiential education.