May 12, 2014

Dear Ms. OConner,

I spent months at a time as a tiny toddler taking naps on the beaches of Jamaica and waking up to fresh fish
cooked and prepared by my fisherman uncle. The first six years of my life were spent growing up around family and
friends who relied on Jamaicas natural resources for their own sustenance and livelihood. I developed an
appreciation for and awareness of the importance of healthy ecosystems early on in my life. Upon a recent trip to
Jamaica I saw firsthand how the natural resources have been severely degraded due to poor management and
exploitation. These experiences have taught me the importance of developing a conservation ethic early on in life
thus, solidifying my interest in becoming the Director the Green Mountain Conservation Camp Kehoe. My heritage
and cultural experiences helped to foster my interest and commitment in the fields of natural resources management
and environmental studies leading me to obtain degrees in Natural Resources Management and Environmental
Studies from Green Mountain College. My experiences as well as my academic training at Green Mountain College
and my two years as a Natural Resources Instructor at Kehoe make me the perfect candidate for this position.
My experience as a Natural Resources Instructor gives me valuable insight into the Director position. I
have mastered the GMCC Curriculum thus, allowing me to efficiently guide staff through the teaching process
ensuring excellent teaching quality for the program. Additionally, my experience leading and mentoring campers
both in my cabin and throughout camp make me an excellent resource in guiding staff members in the process of
serving as mentors at camp. As an NRI I have become familiar with the inner workings of the business and
operational aspects to camp as well. This allows me to successfully handle day to day tasks as well. In addition to
my experience as an NRI, I have fostered administrative and leadership skills in my campus community as a Student
Ambassador. This position allows me to engage with prospective students and their families for scheduled tours. I
also assist with the planning, set up and facilitation of on-campus events. Last semester I developed and managed a
4 month long community service oriented project that involved raising awareness for Jamaican Migrant Workers in
Vermont. This project required me to develop a detailed project plan, secure funds to carry out my project, advertise,
create partnerships with local organizations, and build relationships with migrant workers. I believe that this
opportunity also makes me an excellent candidate for this position as it exemplifies my managerial and
communication skills.
I have also acquired various natural resources and teaching skills that provide me with a strong foundation
beneficial to this position. Last year, I conducted my own research project studying riparian zones in Rainforest
communities with the Center for Rainforest Studies in Australia. This experience gave me the opportunity to manage
my own project by monitoring and securing field equipment and overseeing research partners. I also became
proficient in principles of rainforest management, and rainforest ecology. In 2011, I worked as a Biological
Assistant at Tongass National Forest in Juneau, Alaska. This position allowed me to work closely with Fisheries
Biologists collecting fish, and data processing. In the summer of 2010, I interned with the Fish and Wildlife Service
at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Here, I was certified as an Interpretive Guide through the National
Association for Interpretation and created my own interpretive and educational programs. During this internship I
educated visitors, represented the Fish and Wildlife Service professionally, created educational partnerships with
neighboring environmental organizations and handled administrative tasks as well.
This position would allow me to utilize my skills and expertise to serve the GMCC community in a
different way than I have previously done. I welcome the opportunity to handle responsibilities that involve
managing the business, and administrative aspects of camp. I am interested in being a role model for campers, JCs
and staff in all aspects of camp life. Moreover, as a Director I will work to create a supportive work environment
that fosters an open-minded dynamic between staff members that ultimately focuses on the camp experience for
campers. I will also emphasize effective communication needed for the efficiency of camp.
I look forward to talking with you further about my interest in this position and my qualifications. You can
contact me at (516)-398-5946 and Barrettk@greenmtn.edu. Thank you for taking time to review my application.