We like to think that we are a well oiled machine here at POBS. Every staff member whether on the front lines in the field or behind the scenes has an integral part in changing the lives of our students. You could say that our seasonal interns keep all of the moving pieces greased and help us pave the way towards new opportunities.
This Spring and Summer we have been extremely grateful to have had 6 talented and hardworking interns to assist in many areas of the school. We would like to take the time to recognize these members of our community who help us do big things in our small, quaint and sometimes cramped little office we call home.
Molly Porth
Developement Intern, Fundraising Events
I have always been passionate about working and volunteering in youth-serving organizations, ranging from tutoring to teaching to mentoring and more. My passions of travel, adventure, and nonprofit work have drawn me as far as Kenya, Chile, and Mexico where I have worked, lived, volunteered, and studied. I am a 2010 graduate of Saint Joseph’s University and am currently pursuing a Masters in Public Administration degree at the Fels Institute of Government at UPenn in hopes of leading my own nonprofit one day. My experience planning Big Kid Field Day (September 21- still time to register!), a grassroots fundraising event for POBS, gave me a taste of nonprofit development and allowed me to work in an inspiring team-driven environment with the fabulous POBS staff. I look forward to taking the skills I learned throughout this Outward Bound internship with me into my future career in nonprofits.
Stephanie Mullen
Development Intern, Alumni Events
When I was growing up, I participated in Girl Scouts; I went camping, canoeing, hiking— anything and everything outdoorsy. I loved it and felt that I grew from my experiences both in the classroom and outside of it. Searching through summer internships, I immediately identified with the Philadelphia Outward Bound School. I knew what a forceful and amazing impact outdoor adventures had on my own life and wanted to work to give all students that same opportunity. Outward Bound seemed to connect my interest in non-profits with my love of the outdoors—it was a perfect match. And, thankfully, POBS thought so too.
Throughout the summer, I dabbled in a bit of everything—from assisting at our Summer Evening of Discovery, to chaperoning at a gardening community service, to creating media budgets for Building Adventure. My primary project was to create and expand our alumni network. This included outreach, planning events and get-togethers, and engaging our wonderful alums in all things Outward Bound. We hosted four alumni activities, my favorite being the tie-dye party on July 24th.
My time at Outward Bound has been brief, but so very worthwhile. Not only will I take with me tactical skills such as creating budgets and event management, but also the stories of our alums, their passion for meaningful change and outdoor adventures, and a few new pop-culture references (was anyone else in the dark about Thundercats?). I cannot put into words everything I will take away from this experience, only that my time could not have been better spent.
Thank you to my fellow interns, the staffers, and all our wonderful alums for making this experience not only insightful but fun!
On behalf of POBS we would like to give a big shout out to these 2013 Intern rock-stars as well!
Michael- Development Intern, “Bounder’s Program and Technical Advancement
Hailey- Development Intern, Event Marketing
Sergio- OB Alumni and Logistics Intern
Amy- Logistics and Field Intern
