The Teen Ambassador program is designed to assist young people from Skagit County who have a connection with Deception Pass to build a professional relationship with the Park. The two individuals selected will have the opportunity to learn about Non-Profit Board functioning and develop their professional writing and presenting skills while working closely with State Park Staff. This is an ideal position for individuals looking to gain experience in Resource Management, Park Operations, Non-Profit Functioning and Environmental Science
They each will each work closely with Park staff and a Mentor to develop a Capstone Project that will advance the vision of improving conservation and restoration efforts in the Park. Develop community relationships by participating in Foundation Events, including the Deception Pass State Park 100th Year Anniversary.
Frances Lay
Tell us a little about yourself and your background (i.e. Hobbies, Family, School & Activities, etc.)
Hi! My name is Frances, I am super excited to be a part of the Deception Pass Parks team this year! I am a senior in high school and currently love doing lots of things. I enjoy photography, reading, watching Netflix, hiking, kayaking, and so much more. I have 5 siblings, and this year my family is hosting an exchange student from Germany. It has been so cool to learn more about Germany, and I was even able to visit her home this summer before she came.
What drew you to apply for the Teen Ambassador Program?
I wanted to apply for the Teen Ambassador Program because I love the park, and I decided that I wanted to have the opportunity to do something cool my senior year. I realized that any chance I had to make a difference in the parks would be an incredible experience for me and I am really excited to see what I can do!
What would you like to do or learn as part of your time as an Ambassador?
I do not feel like there is any one thing I want to learn during my time as an Ambassador. I just want to be able to learn as much as I can about the ecosystems in the park, and talk to new people and learn anything they can teach me.
What can you do to help the park and foundation as we move into the next century as the premier state park of Washington?
I enjoy getting to know new people and working with them, and I think that will be a really big part of what I can do to help the park and foundation as it moves into the next century. I am also really passionate about teaching new people about how they can help keep the parks safe and healthy.
What is your favorite place or thing to do in Deception Pass State Park?
My favorite thing to do in Deception Pass State Park is to take in the beauty of it all. No matter where you are, maybe the beach or maybe the forest, there are so many incredible things to look at and hear. I love the diversity of the park and it has always made me feel at home.
Samantha Zenger
Tell us a little about yourself and your background (i.e. Hobbies, Family, School & Activities, etc.)
I am a high school senior, born and raised in Oak Harbor Washington. Like many Whidbey Island residents, a part of a military family. My hobbies include music, I am part of the high school band program. I play clarinet and tenor saxophone; I am president of the band club and drum major of the high school’s wildcat marching band. I enjoy hiking and spending time with my friends at the many beaches around the island.
What drew you to apply for the Teen Ambassador Program?
I thought it would be a great opportunity to become more involved in the parks that are essential to the local environment and community.
What would you like to do or learn as part of your time as an Ambassador?
I was interested in learning how the park system worked as it is something I would possibly want to do for a career.
What can you do to help the park and foundation as we move into the next century as the premier state park of Washington?
As part of a younger generation, I can not only introduce the fun things about visiting a state park but also the importance they play in our environment to my peers.
What is your favorite place or thing to do in Deception Pass State Park?
My favorite thing to do is sit on the dock at Cranberry Lake with my friends, enjoy the view, play games and read books.
