Empowering Adirondack Futures
Tom Boothe Adirondack Internship
The Tom Boothe Adirondack Internship is currently offered in partnership with Colgate University as an enrichment experience for any AdkAction Colgate Upstate Field School Fellow. Colgate students who are interested in deepening their time in the Adirondacks through hands-on nonprofit work are encouraged to connect with Colgate’s Upstate Institute to learn more about this opportunity.
This paid internship adds a practical, place-based layer to the Field School experience, offering exposure to nonprofit project development and implementation alongside professional skills that support future career paths. Interns also have the opportunity to take part in guided paddling, biking, and hiking excursions; visits to Adirondack cultural sites; conversations with local leaders; and tours of AdkAction project sites. Designed with flexibility in mind, the Tom Boothe Adirondack Internship allows fellows to meaningfully engage with the region while still having time to explore, reflect, and enjoy the Adirondacks.
"I proposed my own project dealing with food insecurity and implemented it with the support of the entire AdkAction team. Being in the Adirondacks for the summer season also allowed me to be one stop from any trailhead, water body and other scenic areas for a fun-filled adventure."
Kim Gonzalez
Tom Boothe Adirondack Intern
"Coming into this role I thought, 'This organization does a lot and it all feels so important. I want to know how it is balanced or compartmentalized.' Now I see how vital each individual project area is to creating a thriving Adirondack community...I have really come to know this place in a new way. "
Colby Fortin
Tom Boothe Adirondack Intern
"I was able to contribute to meaningful change within the Adirondacks while also studying something of interest to me. I now have a much more complete understanding of the challenges that come with excessive use of salt on the roads."
Keara McAuliffe
Tom Boothe Adirondack Intern
Honoring Tom’s Legacy
In 2021 AdkAction created the Tom Boothe Adirondack Internship Program to honor the legacy of past Board Chair Tom Boothe, who passed away unexpectedly in October 2020 at the age of 71. Tom was known for bringing friends from around the world to introduce them to the immense natural beauty of the Adirondack Park, and was particularly motivated to engage young people in the work of making a positive impact on our region’s communities.
To honor Tom’s commitment to serving the people of the Adirondacks, as well as his enthusiasm for enjoying the outdoors, the paid internship provides opportunities for both professional growth and recreational exploration of the region.
Each summer’s intern spends up to ten weeks working alongside AdkAction staff, board, and volunteers while spearheading a sub-project in one of AdkAction’s major project areas.
Interns gain practical experience in nonprofit project development and implementation, and professional skills for future career success. A variety of recreational opportunities are also made available through the Tom Boothe Adirondack Internship, such as guided paddling/biking/hiking excursions, visits to cultural sites in the Adirondacks, meetings with local leaders, and tours of AdkAction project sites. The internship is designed to allow the intern enough flexibility and time to truly experience and enjoy the immense beauty of the Adirondacks that Tom Boothe loved.
Support this Program
AdkAction is funding the Tom Boothe Adirondack Internship with donations that have been made in Tom’s memory by individuals and organizations in the community. If you would like to designate a donation for the internship program may do so here: