Ahhhh….The Life of an NFCT Summer Intern

Our application deadline for summer interns (March 11th) is fast approaching.  We here at the NFCT office look forward to it with great anticipation because we know it means we are getting closer to the paddling season, and also that another great group of people will temporarily join the ranks, reinvigorating the organization and Trail.  The program has been steadily growing since inception and each season we are able to have more of an impact on the NFCT, the communities it travels through, and the people who live along the Trail.  With this said I encourage anyone interested in:

  • Traveling the trail performing stewardship projects
  • Collecting GIS information for NFCT infrastructure
  • Taking children on mini-expeditions and performing environmental eduction
  • Spending 7 weeks in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway performing stewardship projects
  • Working out of the Waitsfield, VT office supporting all of the efforts

to go to the NFCT 2011 Intern page on our website and follow the simple application process.  Here are some reasons why:

We heavily weight training as a part of the intern experience.  Youth Program, Roving Stewardship, Allagash, and GIS interns will receive 2 weeks of training up front to prepare for the season.  The Program Intern will participate in trainings with the field interns and have on the job training throughout the internship.  Some glimpses at past trainings:

Paddle training on the Missisquoi River in Vermont.

Learning about aquatic invasives

Then there is the time in the field.  You are guaranteed to be in some of the most beautiful places in the North Woods. We strive to have situations where interns can hone their leadership, group, and field skills.  You will be interacting with volunteers and land managers across the Trail.  You’ll be performing projects that make a difference:

Placing retainer rocks on the Eighth Lake take-out in NY

Taking a moment to pose for a picture after installing a log ladder at Spencer Rips in Maine

And there is still plenty of time to enjoy where you are and the company of others:

Enjoying a paddle along the CT River after a day in the field

I think our 2009 Stewardship Intern, Kim Hack, sums it up well:

“Interning with the Northern Forest Canoe Trail will ensure an action packed, adventure filled summer. Your projects will range from building rock staircases in the Adirondacks, chiseling in Vermont, painting picnic tables in New Hampshire, to nailing down bog bridges in Maine. Through it all you will gain a wide breath of skills in trail building, rock work, carpentry, canoe paddling, volunteer management, back country cooking, and effective communication. There are bountiful learning opportunities and connections to be made through the people at NFCT, your fellow interns, project partners, and through the volunteers. You will leave this internship with a greater appreciation and understanding for eco-tourism’s place in the sustainability movement. Engaging with the volunteers at the NFCT weekend events solidified my love for working with community members. I am now with AmeriCorps primarily involved with stream restoration efforts in SW Washington and helping to coordinate volunteer events and a stream steward program. I find many of the skills learned through my summer with the NFCT to be transferable to my current employment. Although my time with NFCT has come to an end my sweet memories with them will live on for a long time to come.”

So, if you are interested, I truly hope you throw your hat in the ring.  I’m sure it will prove to be a very fulfilling opportunity.

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