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Day 3 Reflection – STEAM in the PARK at Acadia Little Moose, Big Wonder

6/30/2025

We started with tidepooling at Little Moose Island, a first-time experience for many of our campers. The waves whispered stories while periwinkles and curious crabs played hide-and-seek among the rocks. Watching educators lean in close, childlike awe lighting up their faces, reminded us that wonder has no age limit.

The afternoon brought out our pollinator power with a trio of buzzing activities—Taboo, a Pollen Relay, and careful observation. Laughter, learning, and maybe a little competitiveness filled the salty air.

Later, we found stillness and purpose with Ambassador Tiffany, who reminded us that nature journaling isn’t just for the classroom—it’s for the soul. Perched on the granite rocks, pens in hand and thoughts flowing freely, we paused to notice... and to breathe.

Dinner was delicious (thank you, Chef Dani!), but the real treat was an unexpected visit from Ranger Kate—our Acadia anchor and the reason this camp even exists. Her smile and presence lit up the evening and reminded us of the heart behind this place.

Then came a night full of motion and memories:

A little folk dancing led by Ambassador Rachel—graceful for some, entertaining for all. Let’s just say a few of us are better off staying in the classroom.

Scat Chat: The Sequel, now with Jeopardy! thrown in. Tonight’s winning combo? Laughter, learning, and scat s’mores. (Chef’s kiss… unless you gagged.)

And finally, a campfire and night hike under the stars with Ambassador Ann and her daughter, Emma. The crunch of the trail, the hush of the woods, and the murmur of reflection wrapped us in a perfect close to the day.

The quotes from tonight’s circle say it best:

“I didn’t know I needed this.”
“This is EXACTLY what I thought it would be.”
“I am still laughing from last night.”

Here’s to Day 3—where we got wet, got inspired, got silly, and got connected. Acadia, you’ve got a hold on us. 💛

Day 2 Reflection – Acadia STEAM in the PARK

6/29/2025

Today was full of movement, meaning, and memories in the making. From sunrise to campfire, we kept our minds engaged and our hearts wide open.

We kicked things off with Book Buddies, sharing some of our favorite books with one another and swapping recommendations that had the group buzzing. From there, we leaned into the rhythms of nature during Sound Mapping, carefully tuning in to the layers of sound that make Acadia sing—waves, birds, wind, and maybe even a curious porcupine or two.

Our Plein Aire painting session, inspired by Manet and Monet, invited us to capture the beauty of Acadia through brush and watercolor. Surrounded by salty air and shifting light, creativity flowed easily.

Lunch was pure joy, and for those alumni who weren’t here this year—we hope you remember the chicken salad croissants. They returned in all their glory and did not disappoint!

The afternoon was rich with exploration. Acadia Mapping with Ranger Carrie brought science and geography to life, and the energy was electric as every single one of us stood proudly to be sworn in as Junior Rangers.

Next came our Carbon Sequestration and Forest Density field study, where we quite literally got our hands dirty—measuring, recording, and reflecting on the role forests play in capturing carbon and protecting our planet’s future.

Dinner came with a side of inspiration as we shared a meal with Gary, Acadia’s Trail Builder Foreman and beloved character from Out There: A National Parks Story. He was everything we imagined—humble, honest, and yes, the kind of guy who tears up when talking about the trails he helps preserve. We’re officially in the Gary Fan Club.

After dinner, we turned our attention downward during Belly Botany, using our pocket microscopes to explore the often-overlooked magic of mosses, leaves, and lichens. There’s an entire universe beneath our feet, and we leaned in to see it.

The night wrapped with a Red Carpet Screening of Out There, where Gary got a well-deserved hero’s welcome and we all found ourselves inspired by the stories of those who steward our national parks.

We’re ending the day tired—in the best possible way—and deeply grateful to be on this adventure together.

#STEAMinthePARK

Day 1 at Acadia: A Little Rain, a Lot of Heart

6/28/2025

The skies may have opened up this afternoon, but the rain didn’t stand a chance against the joy and energy of our Acadia crew. There are 33 incredible human souls gathered here this week to celebrate five beautiful years of STEAM in the PARK—and five years of learning, laughing, and growing together at Acadia National Park.

We kicked things off with some spirited group sessions, learning names, sharing stories, and beginning to build the kind of community that makes this program so special. Dinner? Absolutely over-the-top delicious—Chef Dani and her amazing team served up creamy garlic shrimp and chicken over angel hair pasta with sautéed zucchini and summer squash, garlic bread, and warm brownies that made everything feel a little brighter and a little cozier.

While much of the country is baking in heatwaves, we were wrapped in coastal mist and a cool 65 degrees. Honestly, it’s hard to beat. The rain couldn’t stop our Birds of a Feather activity, where laughter echoed and new friendships began to take flight.

One of the most heartwarming moments of the night? Rallying together to welcome Charlee—our newest camper—who made it after a long travel saga of flight delays and reroutes, finally arriving at 8:30 PM to cheers and open arms. She’s already part of the family.

Tomorrow promises a full day of discovery—sound mapping, carbon sequestration, Acadia mapping, art, and a special showing of Out There: A National Parks Story. Even more exciting? We’ll be joined by Ranger Gary himself—a key figure in the film and a friend to so many of us.

Rain or shine, we’re here. We’re together. And we’re just getting started.

Summer Interlude 3: Where the Dream Began

6/26/2025

Five years ago, in February 2020, we stood in Acadia National Park for the very first time. The wind was sharp, the ocean air thick with salt and stillness, and yet—something stirred in us. A spark. A tug. We couldn’t name it yet, but we knew we were standing somewhere special. We fell for it instantly. The quiet. The raw beauty. The potential.

We had no idea how much the world was about to change.

By October, we were back—this time to film one of our National Parks Expedition Challenges with Rangers Kate and Lisa. The cameras were rolling, but in between takes, the conversations ran deeper. We talked about the fear and uncertainty we were all carrying in that season of the pandemic—and about the quiet hope that something better might still be ahead.

Sitting on one of the old Rockefeller Bridges, surrounded by the steadiness of stone and sky, we let ourselves wonder out loud: Could this dream still grow?

That’s when Ranger Kate looked at us and said, “You should reach out to Schoodic Institute. They’re our partner in environmental education.”

That moment changed everything.

In January 2021, we sent a message: “Would you be willing to help us host a camp this summer?” Kate said yes. Megan Moshier at Schoodic said yes. And on July 17, 2021, thirty-two educators arrived at the edge of the sea for our very first STEAM in the PARK at Schoodic Institute. We were cautious—COVID protocols were still in place—but hope showed up anyway. And it stayed.

Since that first gathering, we’ve welcomed 183 educators and 71 of their family members to this wild, beautiful place. We’ve stood on rocky shores together, asked hard questions, shared stories, and reimagined what teaching and learning can look like. We've laughed hard, cried some, and left with more than we came with.

One of the most meaningful parts of our time here has been diving into UN Global Goal 14: Life Below Water. Together with researchers and rangers, our educators have helped address the growing threat of the invasive European green crab—a tiny, resilient species wreaking havoc on Maine’s coastal ecosystems. We’ve studied their behaviors, collected data, and explored real-world solutions. It’s more than professional development—it’s hands-in-the-mud, heart-in-the-work kind of learning. The kind that sticks.

And it doesn’t end when camp does. These educators have taken what they’ve learned here—about science, stewardship, creativity, and community—and brought it back to their classrooms. They’ve engaged their students, their schools, and even their neighborhoods in the work. They’ve sparked curiosity. Built lessons around big questions. Invited others into the story.

Because what we’re building here isn’t just a camp. It’s a movement. A place where ideas catch fire, where calling gets rekindled, and where weary educators remember why they said yes in the first place.

This week, as we pulled into Schoodic for the fifth summer in a row, I felt it again—that original spark. Only now, it’s rooted in something deeper. Gratitude. Growth. Community.

By the end of this summer, STEAM in the PARK will have reached nearly 1,100 educators and rangers across 47 national park sites. And through them, the ripple continues—reaching students, schools, and communities all across the country. That’s not just a program. That’s legacy.

And it all started right here.

On Saturday, we’ll welcome 33 new educators to this beloved corner of the world. We don’t know exactly what the week will bring—but if it’s anything like the last four years, it will be full of wonder.

Golden Gate STEAM in the PARK: A Reflection

6/25/2025

As we wrap up our time in the Marin Headlands, it’s hard not to pause and feel the weight of what just happened here. Golden Gate STEAM in the PARK was more than just historical adventures, coastal hikes, and tidepool discoveries. It was a gathering of hearts—full of commitment, resilience, collaboration, and the kind of friendship that quietly takes root and doesn’t let go.

This camp, nestled between ocean cliffs and old bunkers rich with history, had a way of slowing us down. Of making us notice. It nudged us not just to look, but to really see—to see past surface differences in age, background, belief, or ability, and to recognize the strength in our diversity. Every camper brought something vital. What once might have felt like a gap became a bridge. We didn’t just coexist—we connected. We created.

One first-time camper said it best. As she hugged new friends goodbye, misty-eyed and smiling, she whispered, “I didn’t think I’d get emotional… but something about this place, and these people—it got to me.” That kind of openness? That willingness to feel something fully? That was the magic.

We leave with sand between our toes, full journals, and hearts stretched just a little wider than before. On day 25 of our 90-day journey, we turn our faces east toward Acadia, carrying with us the spirit of Golden Gate: a spirit of reflection, wide-open hearts, and the unshakable belief that when we work together—differences and all—we are capable of something truly extraordinary.

#STEAMinthePARK
#GoldenGateToAcadia

Day 4: Crabs, Chocolate, and Connections #STEAMinthePARK #GoldenGateMagic

6/24/2025

If today had a theme, it would be curiosity—with a side of saltwater, stories, and a sprinkle of chocolate. We started our morning in the Intertidal Lab with NatureBridge Educator Dylan, where we learned the do’s and don’ts of touching tidepool creatures. Limpets, mussels, and urchins filled the tanks—but the real star of the show? The kelp crab. Nearly everyone wanted to hold it… and a few bold campers may have even given it a little kiss (with consent, of course).

Our curiosity carried us into the Skulls and Skins Lab, where we learned that a former 6th-grade camper went on to become a taxidermist and helped create the animal displays we studied today. The mural showing where each animal lived was painted by a much-loved NatureBridge educator who passed away a few years ago—her legacy coloring the walls and our hearts.

After a grounding beach moment with Dirty Toes, we tiptoed into the Pacific Ocean (some of us a little more than tiptoed) before heading off for afternoon adventures. Some campers explored Muir Woods, earning their Junior Ranger badges beneath the quiet watch of the redwoods. Others ventured into San Francisco to tour the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory and ride in their very first robot car—a Waymo experience that felt like the future wrapped in fun.

Tonight, we gathered for Belly Botany—but let’s be real, it was cold. So instead of laying on the chilly ground, we crouched close and pressed our microscopes to tree leaves, wild plants, and scattered rocks. Even without touching our bellies to the earth, we still found magic in the micro-world.

As the sun set on Day 4, we reflected on everything we’ve learned and started dreaming up ways to stay connected long after tomorrow’s goodbye. And yes, Day 5 is already tugging at our hearts.

Day 3 | Voices, Justice & Care Golden Gate STEAM in the PARK

6/23/2025

Today at #STEAMinthePARK, we crossed the bay in search of stories—and found them in both expected and unexpected places.

Our morning began on Alcatraz Island, where Ranger Benny invited us to peel back the layers of history. While many know Alcatraz as a prison, Benny reminded us it’s also a place of resistance, remembrance, and reclamation. We stood in the footprint of the 1969–71 Indian Occupation of Alcatraz, where Native activists from across tribes gathered to demand justice and recognition. Their voices echoed through time, reminding us that Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions starts with truth-telling.

We listened to stories of those wrongfully accused, of the incarcerated, and of communities who’ve always fought to be heard. And we asked ourselves: Who still isn’t being heard? What stories still need to be told?

In the afternoon, we traveled to the Marine Mammal Center, where we met another kind of silent witness—rescued seals and sea lions. These animals are on the front lines of climate change, impacted by warming oceans, plastic pollution, and harmful algal blooms. But here, Goal 13: Climate Action was more than a lesson—it was a lifeline. Scientists, vets, and volunteers are working tirelessly to heal what’s been harmed. We left reminded that advocacy isn’t always loud—it’s also in the quiet work of care.

Before the campfire, we gathered together and opened our hearts. The conversations were deep and, honestly, a little scary. How do we take all of this back to our classrooms? How do we hold space for justice, equity, and care in our own schools and communities? But something powerful happened in that circle: we decided we’re going to do it—together.

And while we didn’t see the sun tonight—hidden behind a thick layer of fog—and the air was cold enough to make us huddle a little closer, we were still so glad to be together. The fog may have chilled the air, but it didn’t touch the fire we’re building inside.

Because sometimes, all it takes is a spark to start a fire of change.

Onward to Day 4. We’re ready. 💛

Golden Gate STEAM in the PARK — Day 2 Highlights

6/22/2025

What. A. Day.

We kicked things off with sunshine and science as Ambassador Emily led us on a morning Pollinator Hunt that had everyone buzzing. From a fast-paced game of Pollinator Taboo to identifying native vs. invasive plants and planning our very own pollinator gardens, the morning bloomed with curiosity and collaboration. The conversations about how we can protect our pollinators were as powerful as the resources we shared.

Then we made our way up to the historic Battery above the NatureBridge Bluff Campus—an old concrete structure tucked into the hillside, once used for defense, now being reclaimed by nature. During our If These Walls Could Talk journaling session, campers reflected on the tension of fear and bravery that must have filled this place. We stood surrounded by wildflowers and salt air, thinking deeply about time, land, and legacy.

After lunch, we had a surprise—an exclusive tour of the Nike Missile Site, a Cold War-era defense base tucked into the Marin Headlands. Although closed to the public on Sundays, it opened just for our crew. Ranger James was exceptional, walking us through the towering missiles, radar systems, and engineering marvels of the site. I’ll admit—I’m a pacifist. But standing there, thinking about the 19-year-olds who lived and served here for years, I felt a mixture of reverence and sorrow. With so much happening in the world right now, I couldn’t help but wonder: Why are we so slow to learn from the past?

This afternoon, we shifted to art mode. With paintbrushes in hand, we combined the spirit of Monet’s impressionism with Manet’s realism, capturing the beauty of our surroundings—wild landscapes, bunkers reclaimed by nature, and that ever-present sea breeze. The creativity was flowing.

Ambassador LeAnn then guided us through Sound Mapping, inviting us to close our eyes and listen. We mapped the world around us through sound—waves, wind, footsteps on gravel—and compared it to what people might have heard in this same spot a hundred years ago. It was haunting, grounding, and powerful.

We closed the night with a screening of “Out There: A National Park Story”. I’ve seen it more times than I can count, and it still brings tears to my eyes. These stories, these places, and these people matter.

Tomorrow, we head to Alcatraz and the Marine Mammal Center—two places with very different stories but equal parts wonder. We’re ready.

#STEAMinthePARK #GoldenGateAdventures #NatureAndHistory #PollinatorPower #SoundMapping #NikeMissileSite #ManetMeetsMonet #IfTheseWallsCouldTalk #OutThereFilm

Day 1 at Golden Gate STEAM in the PARK

6/21/2025

What a start! This is our very first camp here at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and wow—what a welcome we received. Campers arrived today to sunshine, blue skies, and views that quite literally took our breath away.

Nestled in the Marin Headlands, our home for the week is NatureBridge, perched on the bluffs between ocean, bridge, and bay. On one side, the mighty Pacific. On another, the Golden Gate Bridge standing strong in the fog-free air. And to the north, the rolling Marin Headwaters stretch out in all their green-and-golden glory. We're living inside a postcard.

But this isn’t just any campsite—NatureBridge sits on the historic site of a WWII-era military bunker, once part of the coastal defense system. These old buildings have stories to tell, and this week we’re listening. It’s a powerful reminder of the layers of history woven into these landscapes.

After getting settled in, we kicked off with a book exchange (our campers always come through!), followed by a scenic walk to the trail near Point Bonita Lighthouse. The ocean breeze was energizing, and so were the connections already forming.

Tonight’s dinner? Three kinds of pasta, garlic bread, salad, fresh fruit, and brownies that should win an award. Massive kudos to our cooks—seriously!

After dinner, we gathered for Birds of a Feather, an activity that celebrates the unique traits each camper brings to our flock. And then, as if the day hadn’t already been magical enough, we watched the sunset melt into the water at the edge of the world.

Campfire stories, laughter, and the promise of a big adventure tomorrow. Golden Gate—you’ve set the bar high.

#STEAMinthePARK #GoldenGateAdventures #CampOnTheCliffs #NatureBridgeMagic

Olympic Family Camp: A Reflection from the Airport Lounge

6/19/2025

This dream was Steve’s.

I remember it so clearly—Acadia 2022 had just ended, and we were tucked into a hotel room for the night, tired but dreaming. Steve turned to me and said, “What if we created a camp for families? A place where educators could refuel—but bring the people they love most along for the journey?”

That’s who Steve is. He’s always been about family, connection, and making space for belonging. It’s what drew me to him in the first place.

Since Acadia 2023, we’ve welcomed over 100 families into that dream. And this past week at Olympic? It might just be our favorite chapter yet.

Fifty-three humans. All gathered in one space. Different ideas. Different backgrounds. Different stories. But one shared purpose: to find hope and peace through community.

And we did.

We laid flat on the forest floor for Belly Botany, discovering whole ecosystems just beneath our feet. We tested creek water and learned about the Crescenti Trout, a species found only here. We hiked (almost) to the top of Storm King, felt the mist of Marymere Falls, and witnessed Ranger Coady’s now-famous waterfall dance. PS- Ryan made it to the top of Storm King the next morning.

We crafted red cedar roses with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, who reminded us what it means to make choices for the next 70 years, not just today. We read, jumped off bridges into the lake, played Left, Right, Dice, and filled our Joy Jar with moments that truly mattered.

And we ended it all with a forest dance party that felt like it belonged in a fairytale.

Now we’re sitting in the airport lounge—charging our devices, sipping caffeine like it’s magic, and letting the quiet settle in.

Our hearts are full.
Our purpose renewed.
And come Saturday, we’ll be ready to meet our next group of campers at Golden Gate.

Because this dream keeps going.
And we’re still saying yes.

With love,
Dacia & Steve 💛