A Dream Come True

August 23, 2019 Posted by: Cameron Stites-Stevens

I arrived on the Schoodic Peninsula June 8th of this year feeling both excited for my internship and very jet lagged from my long flight. I felt I had an idea of what to expect coming in as an intern, but I knew there were going to be many surprises and a lot for me to learn over the course of my 10-week internship under the National Park Service. 
 

There are many facets to my job as an Environmental Education intern, but mostly I was hired to prepare and assist rangers with their summer interpretation programming. This included a variety of things that expanded from me learning how to laminate papers and properly use a printer to interacting with visitors on our ranger led hikes! Additionally, I was also able to help rangers and volunteers with Marine Touch Tank talks and Junior Ranger tables; the more interactive events in which visiting children could learn about the flora and fauna of Acadia National park. After a couple weeks, I was able to comfortably lead both programs myself. 
 

Luckily, in my past I have had plenty of experience engaging crowds of people with environmental activities, marine science, and community action events; however, I have never worked in such a place where I am able to meet entirely new people from all walks of life every day. Even though I work on the quieter side of Acadia National Park, I have met people from all over the country and a few foreign visitors from Canada, Germany, China and Japan! Each day I get the wonderful opportunity to engage with people who are both curious and passionate to learn about all aspects of what National Parks conserve. This is initially what I was looking for in a summer internship experience. 

I’m now finishing up my 7th week of being an Environmental Education intern and I already feeling like a much different person compared to who I was three months ago when I started my summer vacation. This job has allowed me to not only enhance my public speaking and communication skills through constant interaction with visitors but also has given me the time to reflect on my passions, career goals, and dreams while living in a beautiful national park. I go back to college in two weeks and even though I’m excited to start my sophomore year and see my friends again, I know I will miss the scenic views and peaceful vibe that come with exploring the Schoodic Peninsula. 

Ever since I was in middle school, I had dreamed of coming to Acadia National Park and thanks to the help of many people, I finally achieved my goal of doing so. Everyone I have met and worked with here are hard-working, kind-hearted and all-in-all special. I am so grateful for being given such a wonderful opportunity and I know a piece of my heart will always belong to this side of Acadia National Park.