Abiding Presence
College-Age
Interns
Abiding Presence had a fabulous summer of 2024 with our 23 college-age interns. Read all about what our interns were up to and how their lives were shaped by their experiences in our 2024 Summer Yearbook.
Graduated high school seniors, college-age young adults and recent college graduates spend their summers on our summer camp team. They gather for daily devotions, dig deep into scripture through daily Bible Study, think about vocation and what God is calling them to do in the world while building relationships that will sustain them throughout the year. Graduated high school seniors make $15/hour. College-age interns (with at least one year of post high school experience) make $17/hour.
We understand that vacations happen and we are happy to be flexible around those dates. Contact Pastor Kelsey, Associate Pastor for Youth & College-Age Ministry with questions.
Ryan, one of our Abiding Presence summer 2023 interns, shares his story of finding church, engaging in faith and hearing God's call for his life.
The Abiding Presence Internship Program offers intentional opportunities for:
Faith Formation
Vocational Discernment
Leadership Development
What began as a “pandemic pivot” in 2020 turned into a new and important way of being church.
If you are interested in a summer or semester internship experience, contact Pastor Kelsey Kresse, Associate Pastor for Youth and College-Age Ministry.
Elizabeth, one of our 2023 Summer Interns, shares her story of coming to Abiding Presence and finding church community among her peers.
Summer 2025 Leadership Staff
Ryan McGowan, Summer Camp Associate Director
MEd Graduate, James Madison University
Ryan loves Ultimate Frisbee and this is his 4th summer as an Abiding Presence intern. Ryan says, “I love forming connections with campers and creating an atmosphere where everyone feels welcome to be themselves…This is such an inclusive place, and I want to make my future classroom just as welcoming.” This summer, he hopes to continue to learn and build his curriculum writing skills.
Katie Powell, Coordinator of Leadership Programs
Post-Baccalaureate Program, William & Mary
Katie loves being outdoors, whether it's rock climbing, hiking, or camping! She also enjoys reading a good book and crafting. This is Katie’s first summer with Abiding Presence, and she is excited to work with preschool to elementary kids while growing in her faith! In the fall, she is planning to finish up her program in Classical Languages and begin her PhD journey in Ancient History! Katie LOVES Abiding Presence because the environment is extremely friendly, everyone is welcoming, and the ability to make summer fun for the kids is very fulfilling!!
Summer 2025 College-Age Interns
Annika Stringer
Sophomore, University of Kentucky
This is Annika’s third summer working with Abiding Presence. She is on the STUNT team at UK while studying Communication and enjoys hanging out with her friends and shopping. Annika LOVES working at Abiding Presence because it allows her to grow closer within the church community. This summer, she looks forward to building her communicative skills as well as patience and understanding!
Carter Jensen
Junior, James Madison University
Carter enjoys playing basketball in his free time, as well as going to the gym and cooking. This is Carter’s second summer as an Abiding Presence Intern. This summer, he hopes to learn new skills to interact with people on an everyday basis. Carter is studying Geographic Information Systems at JMU. Carter LOVES working at Abiding Presence because he enjoys interacting with kids and his fellow summer staff!
Mark Meskill
Senior, California Polytechnic State University
Mark is studying Architecture and this is his FIRST (!!) summer as an Abiding Presence intern after being referred by a neighbor. He likes mountain biking, ultimate frisbee, and pickleball. Mark is looking forward to having a great time and experiencing all the camp activities. Mark LOVES working at Abiding Presence because of the great community!
Jonathan Peterson
Senior, Utah Valley University
This is Jonathan’s first summer with Abiding Presence after being referred by a friend! He enjoys making music, reading, camping, and hiking. He is currently studying Music Education, and this summer, Jonathan hopes to learn how to better work with younger children and keep them entertained. Jonathan LOVES working at Abiding Presence because of the welcoming and supportive environment!
Tyler Anderson
Sophomore, University of Michigan
Tyler is in his third summer as an Abiding Presence Intern as he continues his education in Clarinet Performance. This summer, Tyler hopes to get more experience teaching and working with younger children. He loves making music, exercising, and cooking! Tyler LOVES working at Abiding Presence because the people are fun to work with!
Audrey Storey
Sophomore, Appalachian State University
Audrey is in her third summer with Abiding Presence. She enjoys singing, playing guitar, music production, spending time with friends, and being outside. She is studying Music Industry Studies and looks forward to gaining skills working with a variety of different kids at camp! Audrey LOVES working at Abiding Presence because she loves the community and working with kids!
Josh Mayo
Sophomore, Houghton University
Josh is studying Music Industry, and this is his third summer with Abiding Presence. Josh’s hobbies include playing the drums, reading books, and playing video games. Josh is looking forward to watching the kids grow in the love and knowledge of God this summer. Josh LOVES working at Abiding Presence as he enjoys working with kids, watching them grow, as well as getting to know fellow staff!
Chasya Sivanich
Sophomore, University of South Carolina
This is Chasya’s second summer working as an Abiding Presence Intern. At USC, she is studying Marketing and Real Estate. She enjoys going to the gym, playing pickleball, and drawing!. This summer, she hopes to learn how to manage her time better and become less shy around the kids. Chasya LOVES working at Abiding Presence because of the community, and she enjoys helping kids be creative and grow closer to God!
Elizabeth Symolon
Sophomore, University of Mary Washington
Elizabeth enjoys reading, playing bass, crocheting, and spending time with friends and family. She is in her fourth summer working at Abiding Presence as she studies English Education with a minor in Disability Studies. This summer, she hopes to form close and meaningful connections with both staff and the kids! Elizabeth LOVES working at Abiding Presence because of the community, working with kids, and developing skills!
Alexa McMillan
Sophomore, Randolph-Macon College
This is Alexa’s second summer working with Abiding Presence as she continues her studies in Psychology! She LOVES working at Abiding Presence because she loves the relationships built with campers and seeing them so excited to be at camp! In her free time, Alexa enjoys working out, spending time with loved ones, traveling, and watching sports. This summer, Alexa hopes to learn to work with kids with differing dynamics and to get to know the new campers and staff members!
Adelaide Baird
Sophomore, Salve Regina University
Adelaide is back for her third summer at Abiding Presence. In her free time, she enjoys playing lacrosse & field hockey, baking, and spending time with friends! As she continues her studies in Psychology alongside playing both field hockey AND lacrosse for her school, Adelaide LOVES working at Abiding Presence because of the flexibility she has and the people she works with! This summer, she hopes to gain more experience with preschoolers!
Ella Padgett
Senior, Liberty University
In her free time, Ella enjoys creating multimedia art, playing various sports, and well a variety of card games! Ella joins us for her fourth summer working and is hoping to develop solution-focused goals, active problem-solving, direct communication, and leadership skills. Ella LOVES working at Abiding Presence brings Ella immense joy. She loves the positive work atmosphere, collaborating with the other interns, and spending time with the kids!
Christopher Seeger
Sophomore, Shenandoah University
As Christopher continues his studies in acting, he joins us for his third summer working! In his free time, Christopher enjoys things such as baking, theatre, board games, and music! Christopher LOVES working at Abiding Presence because of the great atmosphere, and this summer he hopes to gain more workspace experience!
Grace Hanrahan
Graduate, George Mason University
In the fall, Grace will begin her master’s program in Criminal Justice! And she is back for her fourth summer working summer camp! Grace LOVES working at Abiding Presence because she enjoys seeing the kids learn and grow with God, while still having a good time! In her free time, Grace enjoys traveling, crocheting, reading, playing games with family, and trying new foods. This summer, she hopes to help kids learn to express feelings in healthy ways and experience a summer of laughter!
Marian Melendres
Graduate, George Mason University
Marian has just graduated with a Master of Social Work and is so excited to spend her third summer here at Abiding Presence! Marian enjoys playing the violin, spending time with her dogs, reading, volunteering, and spending time with friends. This summer, Marian hopes to spend more time with the campers, which is the best part of camp. Seeing them singing at the top of their lungs, forming friendships, and gaining confidence! Marian LOVES working at Abiding Presence because it provides her the opportunity to grow in her relationship with God
Ella Ladner
Junior, Louisiana State University
In the fall, Ella will be starting her junior year at LSU, majoring in psychology with a concentration in neuroscience! Ella joins us for her fourth summer and hopes that AP will provide her with more experience working with kids, as she plans to attend medical school, focusing on pediatric care. She also hopes to connect more with her community! In her free time, she enjoys being active outdoors, spending time with family, and crafting. Ella LOVES working at Abiding Presence because of the welcoming and positive environment and the joy it brings getting to work with the kids! She loves getting to work with the kids and seeing the love of God shown through all our campers!
Cullen Davis
Junior, University of Tennessee
This is Cullen’s first summer working while he continues his studies in Supply Chain Management! Cullen enjoys lacrosse, both college and NFL football, skiing, and hiking! Cullen LOVES Abiding Presence because of the welcoming environment! This summer, Cullen hopes to gain work experience that can lead to future internships and jobs!
Niam Indugula
Graduate, James Madison University
This summer, Niam hopes to grow closer with the Abiding Presence family as this is his FIRST summer working! In his free time, Niam enjoys playing cards and board games and ultimate frisbee. Niam LOVES Abiding Presence because he gets the chance to make a difference in the community and develop his leadership skills!
Alana Young
Ben Ladner
Freshman, James Madison University
This is Ben’s 4th summer with Abiding Presence, but his FIRST as a college-age intern! In his free time, Ben enjoys hanging out with friends and playing lacrosse. Ben LOVES working at Abiding Presence because of the welcoming atmosphere and working with the amazing kids! This summer, he hopes to learn more about how to work better with children and other people!
Logan Holzgrefe
Junior, Old Dominion University
This is Logan’s second summer with Abiding Presence, and he looks forward to growing closer to his colleagues while gaining more experience in leadership and organization. In his free time, Logan enjoys researching family trees, writing political opinion pieces and analyses, ROTC, history, government, and politics. Logan LOVES Abiding Presence because the sense of community is great, and “Growing alongside all my colleagues and seeing where they are at in their journeys is highly fulfilling!”
