From capturing camp adventures to making connections with campers, our summer communications intern discovered that some of the best stories happen when you least expect them.
For seven weeks this summer, our Summer Adventure Camp had a familiar face behind the camera. From creek adventures and outdoor discoveries to silly dances and unexpected moments, our communications intern, Devonte, was there to capture it all.
A senior at the University of Maryland, Devonte joined the Ferguson Outdoor Learning Center through the Do Good Institute with an interest in exploring the nonprofit world and putting his creative skills to work. Having always enjoyed spending time outdoors, the opportunity to combine photography, communications, and nature seemed like a natural fit.
As it turns out, he got a lot more out of the summer than just photography experience.
Getting to Know “Mr. Devonte”
Ask Devonte what he enjoyed most about Summer Adventure Camp, and he’ll tell you it was the kids.
Their excitement was contagious. Each week brought new faces, new activities, and plenty of opportunities to capture the fun. And while Devonte started out as the guy behind the camera, it wasn’t long before campers began recognizing him as “Mr. Devonte.”
They were curious about what he was doing, too. One camper even asked, “So how many photos do you take in one day?”
As the weeks went on, Devonte found himself becoming more involved in the camp experience. One memorable moment had him playing the piano with one hand while trying to take photos with the other!
And among the thousands of moments he captured, one of his favorites came during the final weeks of camp, when campers broke out their best Iron Man dance moves.
It was those spontaneous, joy-filled moments that made the experience so memorable.
Learning to Look Beyond the Camera
Spending his summer photographing campers taught Devonte something important: the best photos aren’t always the ones you plan for.
Rather than focusing on getting the perfect shot, he learned to pay attention to what was happening around him. Sometimes that meant catching a camper’s excitement during an activity, and other times it meant stepping back and letting a moment unfold naturally.
He also discovered how much patience and connection matter. As campers became more comfortable with him, those genuine moments became easier to capture.
The experience helped him grow as a storyteller, thinking not just about what looked good through the lens, but what each photo communicated to the families and community members who would see it.
Learning to Look Beyond the Camera
Being surrounded by enthusiastic young explorers also gave Devonte a fresh appreciation for the outdoors.
Watching campers get excited about the little things reminded him to do the same. He found himself spending more time outside, noticing things he might have otherwise overlooked, and being more intentional about enjoying nature.
And if he could trade his camera for a day as a camper? He’d head straight for the Wet Meadow or hop on a wagon ride down to the river.
When he’s not behind the camera, Devonte enjoys reading, playing the piano, and hiking. He even recently made a trip to Great Falls!
Taking the Experience with Him
Beyond camp, Devonte got a firsthand look at everything that goes into running a nonprofit. From adapting to last-minute schedule changes to working with different team members, he quickly learned that nonprofit work often means wearing more than one hat.
Along the way, he strengthened his communication skills, learned to be more flexible, and gained a better understanding of how creativity and collaboration come together behind the scenes.
As he heads into his senior year at the University of Maryland, Devonte is keeping an open mind about what’s next. He can see himself combining his interests in creativity and communication, perhaps even pursuing a career in digital communications or the nonprofit world.
We’re so grateful for the energy, creativity, and fresh perspective Devonte brought to our team this summer. His photos helped us share the magic of Summer Adventure Camp with families and our community, and they’ll continue to be part of how we tell our story.
And while his internship may have come to an end, we have a feeling “Mr. Devonte” won’t be forgotten by our campers anytime soon!
A Few of Our Favorite Moments
Throughout the summer, Devonte captured countless moments of curiosity, laughter, and adventure. From exploring the trails to making new friends and trying something new, his photos offer a little glimpse into what made Summer Adventure Camp so special.Here are a few of our favorites!
