UA Little Rock Student Finds Purpose and Passion at Camp Aldersgate Internship

Karoline Putnam, a junior mass communication major from Maumelle, spent her summer helping tell the stories of campers with special needs through an internship that’s deepening her career goals and expanding her skills.

Putnam is serving as a public relations and communications intern at Camp Aldersgate, a nonprofit organization in Little Rock that provides barrier-free outdoor experiences for children and young adults with special needs and medical diagnoses. Since beginning the internship in early June, she has helped tell Camp Aldersgate’s story by writing blog posts, crafting social media content, and communicating with the families of campers.

“I would say my biggest duty is creating the end-of-camp slideshows,” Putnam said. “I take the pictures our photographers have captured throughout the week and turn them into something parents, grandparents, campers, and staff can enjoy. It’s really rewarding to share those moments.”

Each week, she sees new photos of smiling campers who are enjoying activities designed just for them, photos that often tell the story of a life-changing experience.

“My favorite part is opening my computer every day and seeing the smiling faces of children,” she said. “This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some of these kids.”

Putnam discovered the internship through LinkedIn and was excited to find a hands-on communications role so close to home. Working under the mentorship of Brooke Wilson, Camp Aldersgate’s director of communications, has also been a highlight.

“Brooke has been incredibly inspiring,” Putnam said. “She is a very good leader, and I love working alongside her team.”

In addition to developing her writing skills, Putnam has gained experience with blog production, professional software, and social media analytics. These tools and strategies will serve her well in a future career in marketing or communications.

“I’ve already learned so much, and I know there’s still more to come,” she said. “This internship has absolutely helped prepare me for my future.”

An active student leader, Putnam serves as president of Kappa Delta Sorority and is a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps. She plans to graduate from UA Little Rock in 2027.