Summer Intern at Mason Neck State Park
With the prices at the pump going higher almost everyday, when was the last time you read a blog that had something nice to say about a gas company? I'll bet you didn't think you'd read it here in a Virginia State Park blog. However, at Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, Virginia we are very grateful this summer to ExxonMobil and their Community Summer Jobs Program.
The ExxonMobil Community Summer Jobs Program provides full-time college students with an eight-week paid internship that allows them to gain experience in a wide range of nonprofit community organizations. It supports selected agencies during peak summer months and encourages nonprofit service among students viewed as community leaders of future.
Through an ExxonMobil grant received by the Virginia Association for Parks we were able to hire Kelsey to assist with another grant project this summer, Captain John Smith 
Explorer Camp.
Kelsey will be a Junior this Fall at Sweetbriar College majoring in Elementary Education and Psychology. She was originally interested in this internship opportunity at Mason Neck State Park for an opportunity to work hands on with kids and be outside.
She'll get plenty of both of these with Captain John Smith Explorer Camp! This free, half- day, week long camp is a partnership with the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network. It will provide an opportunity for at risk youth to learn about Chesapeake history and Chesapeake bay nature. The program aims to connect children in nature and let them explore a Gateways location while engaging their imagination and building a lifelong ethic of stewardship for the Chesapeake Bay and its many wonders. 
Kelsey has impressed the staff at Mason Neck State Park with her willingness to jump in and help out wherever she is needed. She is extremely efficient and has amazed Park Manager, Jess Lowry more than once with her ability to get things done.
Captain John Smith Explorer Camp begins on Tuesday and I will keep you posted on how it goes. Kelsey has been busy coordinating with the camp teachers, ordering supplies and observing other interpretive programs to make sure the participants at the camp have the best experience possible.
Thank you very much ExxonMobil for the opportunity to work with this bright, talented young woman and watch as she makes a difference this summer bringing Northern Virginia history to life for our young campers!
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