Last week could only be described in one word: Amazing. Besides working with the interpretation rangers and getting hands on knowledgeof the park, the interns also met with administrative officer, Mea Arego andbudget analyst, Jenney Shaw, as well as resource management ranger, Kyle Jones and Videographer, Scott Miller.
On Wednesday, Mea and Jenny were wonderful in introducing their story and how they got into the National Park Service (NPS) with the interns. What was also very helpful to the interns, was exploring the website of USAJOBS.gov. By navigating the sight and conversing with Mea and Jenny, the interns were able to better understand how to apply for federal jobs and how to create a substantive resume.
On Thursday, the interns engaged in a leadership development workshop which helped them identify their personality types and also participated in a collaborative activity centered on the idea of consensus. In the afternoon the interns worked with Kyle Jones and Student Conservation Association (SCA)intern Hannah Coyle, to help mitigate an invasive species in the park called "Dame's Rocket." The interns had a lot of fun and even took pictures next to a giant pile of it!
Friday just so happened to be the 4th of July; so, what better way to celebrate than working front and center with the interpretation crew to give each visitor the best experience imaginable. I was very proud of each of them for working the duty stations solo, and with relative ease. To celebrate, that evening, all the interns got together and had a cookout!! Even Elizabeth O'Casey of the Conservation Study Institute (CSI) came by for some food and fun.
The interns finished the week strong by working closely with Peter Glover on Saturday, for an unexpected cleanup of the trails. They were well prepared (thanks to Scott Davison) with personal protective equipment (PPE) which included hard hats, gloves, and ear protection. In turn, the interns successfully helped cut and remove tree limbs that had fallen on the trails days prior, due to the heavy winds and rains.
At the end of the day, the interns met Scott Miller of Vermont folk life and got hands on training of videography. The interns learned the various techniques that they will apply throughout the summer, recording through a lens of their own experiences; and at the end of the summer they will have a 5-8 minute video documenting the untold story of their journey as young adults exploring and learning about the beauty and the history of this National Park.
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July 10, 2014
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Last updated: July 10, 2014