Comment

Comment by Sandy Brue on December 6, 2012 at 6:35am

I think most of us that have worked for NPS, connected with visitors, felt we provided a service for the public and those that worked for us, would like to stay involved.  I started my career as a seasonal park ranger and finished as Chief of Interpretation.  I've had the good fortune to work in a number of large and some small units.  I made life long friends and love to share stories and experiences.

Retirement - there should be a better word - I'm certainly not knitting by the fireside, nor could I afford to leave the workforce - leaving NPS just meant moving on to other things, for me.

Comment by Brian Forist on December 5, 2012 at 5:10pm

I am afraid I don't know what the word "retired" means. Can someone help me? (The liability of working on the "partner" side of NPS activities for a long time as well as in the not-for-profit sector is working until you can breathe no more.)

Comment by Danielle York on December 5, 2012 at 5:04pm

I would want to see retired interpreters involved in training for new employees. Their park stories are priceless, and their perspective of the journey that park has made thus far is greatly needed. I think that they should be "sages", if they would like, during this new training to help our new rangers fill the big boots these employees have left behind. (Not all retired rangers would work for this, though....)

Comment by Jennifer Colleen Frost on December 2, 2012 at 12:48am

@ Sandy Brue- Ideally, they would be mentors/peer coaches to the next cohort of interpreters.  It would be a shame to lose that experience.  As Isaac Newton stated "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Tradition is the true foundation of interpretation upon which we may continue building and improving upon the structure of our profession.

Comment by Sandy Brue on November 26, 2012 at 7:15am

What role would you see retired interpreters playing?