If last week was The Breakfast Club, this one was Stand by Me—minus the 1950s and the train tracks, but with all the grit, sweat, and soul-searching that happens when a group of grown-ups trades comfort for canyons, AC for adventure, and inboxes for insect repellent.

We arrived as individuals—some eager, others unsure, all of us hoping the beds were decent (they were). We met heat, humidity, and hikes that challenged more than just our quads. But somewhere between rocky climbs, bear sightings, quiet sketches, and that stretch of river where the paddling got real—we became something more. A crew. A trail family.
We pulled each other up steep paths that were definitely not flat.
We passed around water bottles, bug spray, and grace.
We offered shoulders and stories. Laughed through the sweat. Cheered for shade.

This week reminded us that even as adults—with responsibilities, roles, and never-ending to-do lists—we still need time to learn. To wonder. To be outside, uncomfortable and amazed, all at once.

The trees didn’t care about our job titles.
The bobcats didn’t flinch at our trail scent.
The river kept moving, even when we were tired.
And still—we showed up, we kept going, and we did it together.

And we absolutely could not have done it without Ranger Anna. Her knowledge, patience, and passion turned every rocky path and riverside moment into a deeper learning experience. She reminded us what it means to love a place enough to protect it—and taught us more in five days than we could’ve imagined. Ranger Anna, you are the heart of this experience. Thank you for walking every step with us.

We leave a little sunburned, a little trail-worn, a little sore—and a lot proud. We’re taking home more than photos and sketches. We’re carrying connection. To this place. To each other. To ourselves.

This wasn’t easy. But the best things rarely are.

Until next time—stay curious, stay wild, and maybe pack a fan.
You’ve more than earned it.
​
Now—onward to Cuyahoga Valley!

From sunrise to stars, today was packed with discovery, laughter, and just the right amount of dirt under our fingernails.

We began the day with a geology session led by Ranger Anna, who helped us read the story of this landscape through its layers of rock and sediment. Campers examined fossils, held ancient stones, and asked questions that would make any scientist proud.

Next, we joined Ambassador Melaney for leaf identification and nature sketching. Surrounded by trees, campers tuned into the small details—edges, veins, shapes—and turned observation into art. The forest became both classroom and canvas.

Ambassador KT followed with an energetic session on carbon sequestration. Campers measured tree diameters, did some math (yes, willingly!), and learned how our forests are powerful allies in the fight against climate change. Pokey the bear kept close watch—and maybe learned something too.

Later, we explored the Ecozone at PEEC, an immersive space filled with hands-on exhibits. Campers climbed into a life-size eagle’s nest, crawled through a bat cave, peeked inside a beaver lodge, and learned how different habitats support different species. Holli, PEEC’s amazing education director, guided us through each experience, connecting every zone to what we’ve seen out on the trails.

The afternoon gave us time to rest and roam—some chose hikes, others took quiet time to nap, read, or reflect. The camp rhythm is settling in, and it’s beautiful to watch.

Dinner brought us back together, followed by our always-hilarious Scat Party where campers identified animal droppings like true wildlife biologists (and laughed a lot along the way). We closed the evening around the campfire—sharing stories, songs, and s’mores under the stars.

These 33 campers are stepping up—caring for each other, this place, and our faithful mascot Pokey with genuine heart.

Tomorrow we paddle the Delaware River. Let the next adventure begin

We’ve officially kicked off our first-ever STEAM in the PARK camp at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area—and wow, what a start!

Record Broken: For the first time in STEAM in the PARK history, every single one of our 33 campers arrived before registration ended! That’s right—we’re off to a punctual, powerful start.

Another Record? Maybe not one we want… After 8 camps this summer with temperatures in the low 70s, we may be breaking a new kind of record as the heat settles in. No A/C in the cabins means every Walmart fan within a 20-mile radius has likely found a new home here at Pocono Environmental Education Center. (Sorry, Milford!)

Cabin Life: Campers are bunked up in shared cabins at PEEC—one of the nation’s oldest and most respected environmental education centers. Did you know this site used to be “Honeymoon Haven” back in the day? From lovebirds to lifelong learners, this place has always welcomed those ready for an adventure.

Evening Inspiration: Before dinner, we gathered to hear from Ranger Dani, Chief of Interpretation and Education at DEWA. She reminded us that parks hold both beauty and truth—and that telling the full story, including the complicated parts, is how we grow and ensure a better future.

Dinner with Friends: We shared a spaghetti meal with a college group from Pennsylvania and an incredible Easter Seals camp. It was community-building in action—campers of all ages, coming together over good food and shared purpose.

Up Next: Tomorrow we hike to Tumbling Falls and welcome 200+ campers to the grounds (don’t worry—we’re not in charge of them 😉).

And we’re just getting started.