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Supporting Educators in National Parks: A Call for Collaboration with the Outdoor Industry

4/30/2024

As we stand in awe of the outdoor industry's remarkable growth, from humble beginnings to towering corporations, it's essential to honor the perseverance and innovation that have paved their path. Their journey from small-scale initiatives to significant market players is nothing short of inspirational and worthy of applause.

At Expeditions in Education, we share a kindred spirit with the outdoor industry, albeit we tread a different path. Our mission through our initiative, "STEAM in the PARK," is distinct yet aligned with the core values of fostering love and respect for nature. Founded by my husband and me, our nonprofit works diligently to ensure that national parks are accessible to every student through complimentary virtual programming and that educators eager to explore these national treasures for collaboration and creativity can do so with ease.

Each summer, we mobilize resources to enable educators to immerse themselves in the national parks, enriching their teaching arsenals and nurturing their spirits. While these educators only need to cover their food and lodging expenses, Expeditions in Education handles all other logistics to provide a seamless experience.

However, every year presents a challenge as we strive to gather the necessary camping resources—tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, cooking utensils, and lanterns—for the educators. Despite our success in rallying donations annually, the increasing number of participants—400 educators this year—underscores a growing need.

This brings me to a heartfelt request to the thriving giants of the outdoor industry. The spirit of giving back is vibrant among you, and it's an opportune moment to extend your support to those who are nurturing the next generation of nature enthusiasts and scholars. Your contributions can significantly alleviate the financial strains of procuring camping equipment, which are not covered by the educators themselves.

While we understand the complexities of corporate giving, we are not asking for a handout but rather a partnership in making a difference. A donation of camping supplies would not only aid our cause but also signal to our educators that their efforts are recognized and valued by the corporate world—adding an extra layer of encouragement and appreciation.

We are committed to maintaining the educational integrity of our programs and, as such, we consciously avoid donations from the alcohol industry due to our focus on educators and students.

If this message resonates with you and you feel moved to support our cause, please reach out. Let's discuss how, together, we can ensure that our educators are well-equipped to continue providing invaluable experiences in our beautiful national parks.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a tangible impact. Learn more about our efforts and how you can contribute at expeditionsineducation.org.

Together, we can continue to build bridges between education and the great outdoors, enriching lives and fostering a deep-seated appreciation for nature's wonders.

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