2017 CIIP Program Book 2017 CIIP Program Book | Page 51

Community Partner: Urban Resources Initiative - Baltimore City Recreation and Parks Intern: Cody Folta Site Supervisors: Molly Gallant and Ed Orser What is Urban Resources Initiative - Baltimore City Recreation and Parks? The Urban Resource Initiative Internship Program is a partnership between the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks, the Parks & People Foundation, and area universities to provide interns for priority projects in Baltimore parks. • • • Leading canoeing trips around middle branch with recreation centers. Leading weekly kayaking tours around the harbor. Planned and created graphic designs including logos, maps, and annual report infographics. "When you put people in canoes together it feels like their entire history of cooperation and mutual understanding disappears. I hadn’t realized how much I’d be working on communication and people skills, but that’s exactly what you need when kids (or adults!) are paddling against the wind and panicking because they think they’ll never see the shore again. Every day kids in the group range from overconfident to terrified and it’s our job to herd, encourage, and lead them. As someone who had little experience working with kids, I’ve been having fun pointing out all the fish and birds, while also touching on aspects of sustainability. It’s an easy segue because of how much garbage can be seen in the water. On the bright side, every Saturday we work to clean it up by taking out a group in canoes with trash bags. I’ve always enjoyed doing design work, and since Molly encouraged me to pursue a personal project from the start, I decided to help revamp their graphic designs. I created a bunch of logos for each program (hiking, biking, kayaking/ canoeing, fishing, camping), as well as infographics & maps. On top of being a good way to stay out of the heat occasionally, it was a great alternative use of my skills to help outdoor recreation." -Cody 51