The intern's final week is already here! It is sad for us to leave, but we are all grateful for the relationships, experiences, and knowledge we gained along the way. Continue reading this week's blog to learn about each of our positions, what this summer has taught us, and our favorite parts about both the summer and the orchard.
Sarah Betts - Business and Marketing Intern
Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, I am a junior studying Advertising and Public Relations at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I have grown up going to Kimmel Orchard with my family, so it was so special being in this position and seeing a whole different side of things!
Summary of your position
As the Business and Marketing intern, I am tasked with running our Instagram account and posting weekly on our Facebook page. I am often out in the orchard taking pictures and videos to post for our followers. I create educational videos once a week about things going on at the orchard and what produce will be in season next. Also, I often create signs for the Apple Barn and assist with updating the official website.
What you have learned/gained
With this internship I have gained knowledge on how to run social media accounts for a business, the ability to put my skills with Adobe I’ve learned in the classroom setting to use, knowledge on how businesses like Kimmel Orchard are run from an inside perspective, and experience working retail in the Apple Barn.
Favorite part/memory from the summer
My favorite memory from this summer was taking a day trip to Omaha to visit Coneflower Creamery. Here, we were able to see how their “Farm to Cone” mission became a reality using our Kimmel strawberries to create their Sun-Ripened Strawberry Ice Cream. It was such a unique experience to see this process from start to finish. It was the best strawberry ice cream I’ve had!
Favorite produce grown at the orchard and favorite product in the Apple Barn
My favorite produce grown here is definitely the strawberries. There is nothing better than eating one fresh from the field! My favorite product in the Apple Barn is the Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies. The ice cream sandwiches are even better!
Cara Booth - Orchard Operations and Landscape Intern
I was born and raised in Nebraska City, so it has been a very fun summer getting back to my roots and maintaining the orchard that has been in my life since childhood. I’m a junior studying Environmental Science and Chemistry at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Summary of your position
As the Orchard Operations and Landscaping intern, I maintain the orchard and garden spaces at Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard. I spend most of my time tending to the plants and trees that are in-season.
What you have learned/gained
I have learned the growing timelines of our strawberries, cherries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, and other crops. All of the outdoor experience I have gained will prepare me for a future career in the environmental science field.
Favorite part/memory from the summer
My favorite part about working at Kimmel Orchard is that I am able to see the growth and changes in our crops.
Favorite produce grown at the orchard and favorite product in the Apple Barn
My favorite produce grown here at the orchard is the blackberries! My favorite products are our marinated mushrooms and pickled okra.
Alyssa Rosenbaum - Education and Food Safety Intern
I am originally from Sioux City, Iowa and have never been to Nebraska City before this summer! I am a senior at Iowa State University double majoring in Culinary Food Science and Horticulture.
Summary of your position
Throughout the summer, I have helped organize and create food safety documents to ensure Kimmel's food safety plan is up to date. I also write the weekly educational blog for the website and design a graphic to accompany it on Facebook. Finally, I often help out in the Apple Barn making cookies, assisting guests, and helping out where ever is needed!
What you have learned/gained
I have learned how an orchard operates especially from the food safety side. I have gained practical experience with implementing a food safety plan and learned what it takes to create one. Also, my creative thinking and writing skills have greatly enhanced through my weekly blog posts.
Favorite part/memory from the summer
My favorite part of the summer was the freedom of my position. The orchard valued my input and allowed me to be creative as an intern. It was especially fun when these ideas involved food. I loved helping create new products for the Apple Barn such as Strawberry Slushies, Giant Caramel Apple Oatmeal Cookies, and Caramel Apple Oatmeal Ice Cream Sandwiches.
Favorite produce grown at the orchard and favorite product in the Apple Barn
My favorite produce grown on the orchard are blackberries. These berries taste so delicious simply on their own. Nothing is better than a locally grown blackberry! As for the Apple Barn, my favorite product is the Pineapple Pepper Jelly. I took this home to share with my family, and it was delicious with cream cheese and crackers. I will definitely have to buy more before I return to school for the fall!
Although I won't physically be at the orchard anymore, I will still be writing blogs for the website. Make sure to check back weekly to stay updated on the orchard!
Alyssa Rosenbaum - Education and Food Safety Intern