Introduction: New Intern — Kate Summers

Kate sitting on a rock, looking back at the camera with the rocky mountains in the background

Hi, my name is Kate Summers, and I am the new Faith and Climate Associate with Blessed Tomorrow. Caring for others and the planet has been a central tenet of my faith my whole life, from singing songs rooted in creation care in the church my parent’s ministered, to attending outdoor summer camp each year in Southern Illinois. Growing up in rural Illinois meant I spent most of my summer days outside. Although I am prone to sunburns, it was an enjoyable time. Unfortunately, due to the changed climate, fewer days are suitable for children to enjoy nature like I did. I want future generations of kids to be able to run in the field on a sunny day and not have to worry about unbearable heat. This is not an uncommon desire, as people from across generations have fond memories of their childhood, and want the same for their children. Shifting the conversation to climate change with people of faith should be rooted in care for our neighbors and creation both locally and globally.

I currently live in Kentucky and one of my favorite places is Bernheim Forest. They may be best known for their Forest Giants, but I enjoy the trails and canopy overlook the most. I also always look forward to Kentuckiana Pride (hosted in WaterFront Park, Louisville, KY). While living in London for graduate school, one of my favorite parts was the ability to walk to many of the places I needed to go. A 30-minute walk was no problem, and I used to long for the days that were clear enough to take a stroll along the Thames River. A more recent positive addition to my life is visiting my brother who is the caretaker for our childhood church camp. There, he tends 13 goats and 180 acres and is continually teaching me how to better care for creation (even if he does annoyingly monitor my shower water consumption while I’m there).

In the summer of 2022, I took a few months to travel around Europe, stay in hostels, and explore new places. It was an amazing time, while also being overwhelming for someone who had not been outside the US before. But I was comforted by creation, finding moments of solace in nature from the harbor in Lisbon, Portugal to Royal Botanical Gardens of Madrid, Spain to the mountains in Salzburg, Austria. Nature connected me to God and reminded me of home. It continues to be a place of solace for me now.

Our faith calls us to care for each other and the planet. I am excited to begin my work with Blessed Tomorrow and the ecoAmerica staff, and to work with and support you. The work we do today will shape the future we hope to see tomorrow.