Summer Interns Also Benefit from Junior Angler Program

By Lisa D. Mickey

From left to right: Ranger Ashley Lord, volunteers Kyndall DiPaolo and Aubrey Trautman, Park Superintendent Carmen Thomson, and volunteers Connor Graham and Avery Chan. (Photo by Ashley Lord / Canaveral National Seashore)

Student interns helped successfully guide this year’s Canaveral National Seashore Junior Angler program once again. Held in the park for the fourth time, the paid internships were offered through grant funding made available by the National Park Foundation.

This year’s summer fishing clinics were offered to youngsters ages 8-15, during the months of June and July and was designed to instruct the junior anglers on the basics of fishing. All fishing gear and bait was supplied by the program.

Interns Avery Chan of Oviedo, Kyndall DiPaolo of Oviedo, Connor Graham of New Smyrna Beach, and Aubrey Trautman of Brevard County, served as the 2025 summer program leaders, who worked alongside park staff.

And while their primary focus was on teaching kids how to fish responsibly and safely, they also worked with the national park staff in such duties as maintenance of interpretative facilities, repainting turtle-nesting stakes and helping to clean storage sheds, garages and boats. The interns had the opportunity to learn more about the park’s Turtle Watch program and to gain experience in the Apollo District’s Visitor Center, as well as having the chance ask staff questions about working in national parks.

“I valued the entire experience, but witnessing sea turtle releases, taking in and transporting an injured osprey and seeing wildlife on a daily basis has been incredible,” said Trautman, who hopes to have a career in environmental conservation.

Graham viewed this year’s internship as an opportunity to gain work experience and to learn more about the roles of park rangers and staff. He hopes to work as a law enforcement ranger for the National Park Service.

DiPaolo juggled her summer internship with a full-time job and college classwork as a marine biology major. She hopes to work in conservation following graduation.

“I loved having the opportunity to work with the land and educate kids on the importance of preservation,” said DiPaolo. “Being able to do my part and make a difference for the planet is the most important thing to me.”

When asked why they think volunteering, as well as being involved in educational opportunities like the Junior Angler program are important, each of the interns agreed they bring value to the communities they serve.

“I think it’s important for members of a community to contribute to public spaces, as well as to the animals we are coexisting with,” said Trautman.

“It helps keep the National Seashore a beautiful place for everyone,” added Chan.