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Jumping into the Deep End

Shenandoah Waugh ’26 guides children in a Purposeful Work internship with a coastal Maine land trust

By Bates College

August 22^nd, 2024

Challenge by Choice

Shenandoah “Shenny” Waugh ’26 of Lyons, Colo., jumped into the deep end of the pool — or ocean, as it were — during their Bates Purposeful Work summer internship, working at a day camp for children along the Maine coast.

Teaching, guiding, and herding

Waugh, who had never worked with children before, took on a daunting task: teaching, guiding, and herding 16 youngsters ages 4 to 6, five days a week, as a Nature Day Camp leader for the Harpswell Heritage Land Trust.

On this early August day, Waugh and the campers explored Stover’s Point Preserve, one of 22 preserves and trails that the trust offers along the Harpswell peninsula and nearby islands.

Stover’s Preserve is a narrow gravel sandbar that wraps itself around a salt marsh. Salt marshes are productive and sensitive habitats with plants and animals adapted to the tides and water conditions, forming the base of a food web that includes fish, birds, and shellfish.

Planning, Managing, and Guiding

Throughout the summer, Waugh was responsible for lesson planning, managing camp supplies, and guiding junior counselors aged 11 to 13 — all while ensuring that every camper had a fun and safe experience.

The camp, which draws children from across Maine and the U.S., is grounded in a mission of inclusivity and engagement. “It’s all about exploring the beauty and curiosity of nature,” says Waugh. “We aim to provide an enriching experience for kids, regardless of their background.”

A few days this summer, Waugh worked with fellow land trust intern and Bates student Naomi Lynch ’25 of Farmingdale, Maine.

Important Life Skills at Any Age

The campers learned about coastal habitats and the critters that live there, while Waugh discovered more about their own interests and abilities.

“This experience has really showed me the ins and outs of working in outdoor education, and working with young kids outdoors feels even more purposeful,” Waugh says.

As technology continues to create a barrier between ourselves and the natural world, “it is so important to offer these young kids an experience where fun is screen-free, and where we embrace free exploration, curiosity, and even boredom. These are really important skills for people of all ages.”