Vermont Parks Forever's 2026 Interns

Fred and Fiona are the 2026 Vermont Parks Forever Interns at Mount Philo and Branbury and State Parks

Vermont Parks Forever has hosted a paid, student intern at Mt. Philo State Park for 12 years. 

This year's intern, Fred, likes interacting with the public and appreciated spending his summer outdoors. The internship memorializes William Cameron Hagedorn, who worked at the park as a young adult, and is supported by donors in the local community. There is now a long tradition of former interns returning each year as staff at Mt Philo State Park.

Thanks to the support of a former park manager, VPF launched a new internship at Branbury State Park in 2025. Fiona, the 2026 intern, likes to be outside all day and collaborate with the park's naturalist. She learned that working in the parks "doesn't have to be a one-time thing. You can stay in this industry."

These internships introduce Vermont high schoolers to the ins and outs of working at Vermont State Parks. Beyond developing valuable workplace skills, interns deepen their understanding of these natural spaces by exploring the parks’ unique history, ecology, and cultural significance, and then sharing that enthusiasm with visitors.

As Fred put it, “This internship at Mt. Philo State Park is a nice experience and the perfect first job for anyone. It makes me a better person.  Thank you!”

Learn more about Vermont Parks Forever internships here.