Column: Internship offered a fresh perspective on environmentalism through outdoor exploration

Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association summer intern Theadora Duane explores the aquatic ecosystem of a small lake at a campground near New Columbia with a participant during the association's 2024 HERYN program.

Riverkeeper's note: The following column was written by Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association summer intern Theadora Duane. She can be contacted via email by clicking here.

I had the privilege of interning for the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association this summer, and it was an experience unlike any other.

From the office to the river, I forged meaningful connections and strengthened my love for and admiration of the environment.

I came into the role a bit intimidated and unsure of what to expect. I am by no means an expert in any topic, and the thought of environmental education was both exciting and mildly terrifying. I was immediately met with a kind-hearted support system that taught me that a key part of teaching others is a willingness to learn alongside them.

I had to exercise adaptability and humility time and again as I navigated teaching, trail maintenance, kayaking instruction, and networking. Mistakes were made and lessons were learned!
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Perhaps my favorite experience of the internship was the HERYN program. Each day, a fresh batch of kids rolled into the New Columbia campground looking bleary-eyed and miserable. Despite their morning protests, the group inevitably ended the day with excitement and brand-new skills in fishing and kayaking.

Watching the transformation occur like clockwork for six days straight was incredible. One day of teaching opened doors for dozens of kids to enjoy and care for the outdoors for the rest of their lives. To be a part of that process was a gift in itself.

As an environmental science major, I have spent the past two years methodically studying ecosystem interactions, identifying plants and animals and conducting experiments.

While I may have the “science” part down, I learned that there is so much more to environmentalism than data and Latin names. While I’ve learned so much from my professors, the kids I have worked with as a “teacher” through the Vernal School’s environmental education programs were unknowingly teaching me an incredible lesson. It was their wonder and natural curiosity that reignited my love for the outdoors.

I watched kids contentedly splash around in the creek, hunting for bugs they’ve seen a hundred times or hop right back in a kayak after tumbling into a slimy lake. They traipsed through ankle-deep mud without complaint and baked in the sun with smiles on their faces.

The simple act of being outside and exploring nature was enough for them. And it is enough for me.

I am excited to carry this experience with me as I continue my career.

​The Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association gave me the gift of a summer spent outdoors, and for that I will always be grateful.

Other stories by 2024 summer interns of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association:

• Intern column: Pollinator trends can be indicators for water quality if we are paying attention (middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org)
• Early data shows benefits of analog beaver dam effort in stream management at Susquehanna Univ. (middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org)
• Intern column: TikTok offers valuable platform for engaging wider audience about waterway education (middlesusquehannariverkeeper.org)