Abiding Presence
College-Age
Interns
Interested in working with us this summer? Email Rev Kelsey Kresse, Pastor for Youth and College Age ministries.
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.
Abiding Presence had a fabulous summer of 2025 with our 26 college-age interns. Read all about what our interns were up to and how their lives were shaped by their experiences in our Summer 2025 Yearbook.
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.
Maddie, one of our 2025 college-age interns, shares her summer story of how she has grown through the internship program.
Summer 2026 Leadership Staff
Annika S
Annika is a rising junior at the University of Kentucky, where she is a member of the STUNT team and is studying Business Communication with a minor in Political Science. In her free time, Annika enjoys going shopping, going on walks, and hanging out with friends/family. This is Annika’s fourth summer working for Abiding Presence. Annika loves coming to work for Abiding Presence because of the impact she is able to make on campers’ lives both at Abiding Presence and at offsite camps. This summer, Annika is excited to travel to FIVE offsite camps and have the opportunity to lead a team in giving each camper the best week of summer camp, all while growing closer to God!
Carter J
Carter is a rising senior at James Madison University, where he is studying Geographic Information Systems and Computer Science. Carter’s interests include remote sensing and GIS software, and in his free time, Carter enjoys weightlifting, basketball, and full-stack development. This is Carter’s third summer working at Abiding Presence. Carter loves working at Abiding Presence because of how welcoming everyone is and the wide range of personalities everyone brings. This summer, Carter is looking forward to gaining deeper experience in leading a team through problems they may not anticipate!
Ella L
Ella is a rising senior at Louisiana State University, majoring in neuroscience. Ella enjoys arts & crafts, cooking, and hanging out with her friends and family. This is Ella’s fifth year working for Abiding Presence. Ella loves working for Abiding Presence because of the environment the church has to offer. Ella is also very passionate about working with kids to create the best summer camp experience. This summer, Ella is excited for her new position as a black shirt and to gain exposure working as a leader in the church!
Ella P
Ella has just completed her four years at Liberty University and will be returning in the fall to start her MBA program. In her free time, Ella loves to sew, paint, and do pottery. This is Ella’s fourth year working for Abiding Presence. Ella loves coming to work for Abiding Presence because of the church’s faithfulness to the Lord and their willingness to serve others. Ella loves how encouraging and eager to help Abiding Presence is as well. This summer, Ella is looking forward to improving communication skills, growing in service to others, and continuing to deepen her walk with the Lord!
Grace H
Grace just finished her five years at George Mason University, earning a degree in Criminal Justice. In her free time, Grace enjoys crocheting and traveling, reading books, playing video games, and painting. This is Grace’s fifth year working for Abiding Presence. Grace loves coming to work for Abiding Presence because she gets to meet new people every day and build friendships with people she’d typically never have the chance to meet. This summer, Grace is super excited to experience more leadership responsibilities within camp, while having fun with all the campers!
Maddie D
Maddie is a rising senior at Penn State, where she is studying Secondary Math Education and Special Education. Maddie loves to read, do diamond painting, and do puzzles and sudokus. Maddie also enjoys watching sports, spending time with family and friends, and loves coffee! This is Maddie’s fifth summer working for Abiding Presence. Maddie loves coming to work for Abiding Presence because she’s able to learn more about the Bible and how to understand its deeper meanings, all while gaining valuable experience for her future career as an educator. Maddie also loves being able to work and collaborate with her friends! This summer, Maddie is looking forward to giving each child the best experience and working with parents to best support their campers!
Summer 2026 College-Age Interns
Adelaide B
Adelaide is a rising junior at Salve Regina, where she plays field hockey and studies Criminal Justice. In her free time, Adelaide enjoys playing both field hockey and lacrosse, as well as coaching and baking. This is Adelaide’s fifth summer working for Abiding Presence. Adelaide loves coming to work for Abiding Presence because of the people she gets to surround herself with at work. This summer, Adelaide is looking forward to making deeper connections with as many campers as possible!
Alexa M
Alexa is a rising junior at Randolph-Macon College, studying Psychology, Black Studies, and Sociology/Anthropology. In her free time, Alexa loves to watch sports, be outdoors, hang out with friends/family, and try new things. This is Alexa’s third summer working for Abiding Presence. Alexa loves working for Abiding Presence because of the opportunity to work with kids and learn how to navigate difficult situations with patience, allowing her to grow within her faith and community. This summer, Alexa hopes to grow in all aspects and challenge herself to work hard and become more like Christ!
Amelie B
Amelie is a rising senior at Manhattan University, majoring in Business Management and minoring in Finance. In her free time, Amelie loves watching movies, listening to music, and playing games. This is Amelie’s first summer working for Abiding Presence. Amelie is excited to work for Abiding Presence this summer to make new friends and meet new people. This summer, Amelie is excited to read and learn more about the book of Romans!
Andrew H
Andrew is a rising sophomore at George Mason University, majoring in Finance with a minor in Economics. In his free time, Andrew enjoys going to the gym and rowing. This is Andrew’s first summer working for Abiding Presence. Andrew is excited to work for Abiding Presence this summer because it allows him to get more connected and involved in religion and to learn more about it. This summer, Andrew hopes to continue learning more about his religion and aspires to be an amazing leader for camp!
Anna B
Anna is a rising sophomore at Penn State and is studying Elementary Education. In her free time, Anna loves to hang out with friends, go shopping, read a book, or practice cheerleading. This is Anna’s fifth summer working for Abiding Presence. Anna loves working for Abiding Presence because of the community and relationships she’s built, as well as getting to know campers and make an impact on their lives. This summer, Anna is looking forward to learning new skills that she can apply in her future career as an educator!
Anna L
Bio and photo coming soon!
Ava G
Ava is a NEW purple shirt and rising freshman at Susquehanna University, planning on majoring in Biochemistry on a pre-med track. In her free time, Ava loves to bake, cook, hang out with friends, as well as work out, dance, and listen to music. This is Ava’s fourth summer working for Abiding Presence. Ava loves working for Abiding Presence because she gets to work with kids, which she finds fulfilling and rewarding. Ava loves to have fun with the campers and being able to interact with them during activities. This summer, Ava hopes to reconnect with past campers and make meaningful connections with new campers!
Bailey P
Bailey is a rising junior at James Madison University studying English Literature. This fall, Bailey is a part of JMU’s External Abroad Program and will be studying in London. In her free time, Bailey enjoys going to the gym, shopping, reading, hanging out with friends, and cooking. Bailey also loves movie nights and is a huge fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Arsenal. This is Bailey’s first summer working for Abiding Presence. Bailey is excited to work for Abiding Presence this summer because she loves the warm and welcoming community it provides to both new and old members. This summer, Bailey looking forward to bonding with campers and getting more involved with the community.
Beau P
Beau is a NEW purple shirt and rising freshman at Ferrum College, where he’ll be playing baseball in addition to studying Biology on a pre-med track. In his free time, Beau enjoys playing the guitar, going to the gym, going fishing, and playing video games. This is Beau’s first summer working for Abiding Presence. Beau loves working for Abiding Presence as it allows him the opportunity to make new friends and meet new people. This summer, Beau hopes to gain new leadership skills while working at camp!
Ben L
Ben is a rising sophomore at James Madison University, majoring in Criminal Justice. In his free time, Ben loves to play sports and hang out with his friends. This is Ben’s fifth summer working for Abiding Presence. Ben loves working for Abiding Presence because of the community that continues to grow each year and how Abiding Presence has become a second home. This summer Ben is looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in his faith.
Cass I
Cass is attending Northern Virginia Community College and is studying Art History. Cass enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and making digital art. This is Cass’ second summer working for Abiding Presence. Cass enjoys working at Abiding Presence because they love the community that’s been created through work done by the church and the environment fostered, allowing kids in the community to feel safe in their faith. This summer, Cass is hoping to learn more about their faith!
Chasya S
Chasya is a rising junior at the University of South Carolina studying Marketing and Real Estate. In her free time, Chasya loves to hang out with her friends, play pickleball, and go hiking. This is Chasya’s third summer working for Abiding Presence. Chasya loves working for Abiding Presence because she enjoys the community and relationships with her peers; she also loves inspiring creativity and faith in all of the campers. This summer, Chasya hopes to try new things, such as leading new stations and sparking more excitement with campers!
Christopher S
Denver M
Denver recently graduated from the University of Mary Washington with a degree in Communications and Digital Studies. In his free time, Denver enjoys sumo wrestling, listening to metal music, and gardening. This is Denver’s first summer working for Abiding Presence. Denver loves working for Abiding Presence because of how great the community is. This summer, Denver is looking forward to gaining better time management skills!
Dmitry P
Dmitry is a NEW purple shirt and rising freshman at Utah Valley University, where he’ll be studying architecture. In his free time, Dmitry enjoys growing in his photography skills. This is Dmitry’s first summer working for Abiding Presence. Dmitry enjoys working for Abiding Presence as he loves getting to help within his community with a Christ-centered focus. This summer, Dmitry is looking forward to helping others and leading by Christ’s example.
Eleanor B
Bio and photo coming soon!
Elizabeth S
Elizabeth is a rising junior at the University of Mary Washington, studying Secondary English Education with a minor in Disability Studies. This is Elizabeth’s fourth summer working for Abiding Presence. Elizabeth loves to come work for Abiding Presence because the community is kind and welcoming. Elizabeth also loves working with all of the campers as well as other staff. Elizabeth is looking forward to continuing to gain valuable experience working with both campers and staff of all ages and is hoping to face new challenges that will allow her to strengthen skills she can utilize in her future career as an educator.
Emma B
Emma is a rising sophomore at Penn State majoring in Kinesiology. In her free time, Emma loves to play lacrosse, read books, and do nails. This is Anna’s fifth summer working for Abiding Presence. Emma loves coming to work for Abiding Presence because of the community, and she gets to work with her friends and is able to gain notable life skills through experiences at camp. This summer Emma is hoping to work some of our offsite camps and continue having fun!
Haley T
Hansel B
Hansel is a rising sophomore at Manhattan University, majoring in Finance. Hansel enjoys surfing and playing video games, hiking, and listening to music in his free time. This is Hansel’s first summer working for Abiding Presence. Hansel is excited to work for Abiding Presence this summer because it allows him to teach the Word of God to younger people and make new friends. This summer, Hansel hopes to learn and grow in his faith and just enjoy his time at camp!
James R
Bio and photo coming soon!
Jonathan P
Jonathan is a rising senior at Utah Valley University, where he will be assisting in student teaching while majoring in Music Education. In his free time, Jonathan enjoys composing, reading books, going on hikes, and camping. This is Jonathan’s second summer working for Abiding Presence. Jonathan loves working for Abiding Presence because of the community and getting to work alongside a supportive team and a wonderful bunch of campers. Jonathan is excited to help the people he interacts with feel God’s love this summer!
Josh M
Josh is a rising junior at Houghton University, where he is a double major in Music Industry and Worship Arts. In his free time, Josh enjoys playing the drums, reading, and playing video games. This is Josh’s fourth summer working for Abiding Presence. Josh loves working for Abiding Presence because he enjoys being connected with his peers as well as working with each and every camper. This summer, Josh hopes to experience continuing to grow in his personal faith as he laughs, works, and grows alongside his fellow interns.
Joshua K
Joshua is a rising junior at the University of Maryland, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Business. Joshua enjoys playing video games in his free time as well as reading short stories and joking around with his friends. This is Joshua’s first summer working for Abiding Presence. Joshua is excited to be working for Abiding Presence this summer because he wants to do good work to improve the lives of those around him. This summer, Joshua is hoping to grow through working this summer!
Kardan S
Kardan is a NEW purple shirt and rising freshman at the University of Mary Washington, studying a pre-vet course. In her free time, Kardan enjoys reading, horseback riding, and playing percussion. This is Kardan’s fourth summer working for Abiding Presence. Kardan loves coming to work for Abiding Presence because of the community of people that can be found here. This summer, Kardan is looking forward to stepping into a new role as a purple shirt and learning how to lead stations.
Lizzy R
Lizzy is a rising sophomore at George Mason University, where she is studying Accounting and Business Analytics. Lizzy loves to spend time with family and friends in her free time, in addition to cooking, baking, reading, going on walks, watching movies/TV, cleaning, and thrift shopping. This is Lizzy’s first summer working for Abiding Presence. Lizzy is excited to be working for Abiding Presence because of the people she works with, being able to provide campers with a great experience, as well as working to honor God and continue spreading the gospel. This summer, Lizzy is excited to learn how to better communicate while maintaining a positive environment.
Logan H
Matthew M
Olivia A
Olivia is a rising junior at Penn State, where she is majoring in Finance. In her free time, Olivia enjoys dancing, reading, working out, networking, and working on women’s initiatives. This is Olivia’s first summer working for Abiding Presence because it allows her to contribute to an inclusive community alongside her peers. This summer, Olivia is looking forward to learning more about the Bible and all it has to offer, as well as topics she would’ve covered in Sunday School, as she didn’t get to go when she was younger!
Ty K
Ty is a rising sophomore attending Northern Virginia Community College, majoring in Business. In his free time, Ty enjoys playing DND, video games, reading, and running. This is Ty’s second summer working for Abiding Presence. Ty enjoys coming to work for Abiding Presence because of the community around him and the friendships made. This summer, Ty is looking forward to continuing to hone his communication skills!