​​My 2024 Word:
Every year since 1994, I've picked a word to steer my path through the next 365 days. In a way, it's like holding a compass. For 2024, I've chosen a word that might raise a few eyebrows at first. It's "Whatever." But let me explain.
​
"Whatever" isn't about indifference or lack of care. Far from it. It's about being there in every way I can for my family. It's about saying, "Whatever you need, I'm here." It's about rolling up my sleeves for our nonprofit, doing whatever it takes to help it flourish and reach its full potential.

Then there's the bigger picture. "Whatever" is my commitment to people who need a hand, who feel unloved or forgotten. It's my promise to do whatever I can to make their lives a little brighter, a little better. It's also about my relationships. "Whatever" is my vow to work on them, to be better, to understand more, to forgive quickly, and to bridge gaps.

At the core of it all, "Whatever" is about kindness and compassion. It's about treating people with a gentle heart, no matter who they are or what they're going through. Jimmy Carter once said, "My faith demands—this is not optional—my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference." That quote hits home. It's what "Whatever" means to me this year. It's about using what I have, where I am, to do good, to spread love, to make even a tiny dent in the universe.
​
So, here's to 2024, a year of doing "Whatever" it takes to make a difference, a year of living true to my word, and hopefully, a year of touching lives in the most positive ways possible. And I am so glad to be doing this together with my best friend!

Philippians 4:8
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."

On May 28, 2016, my husband Steve and I had a life-changing conversation. We discussed the idea of leaving our secure, full-time jobs to embark on a new journey together. Our careers of teaching and parks and recreation had always provided stability for our family, allowing us to raise our children, pay our bills, and feel a sense of security. However, on that particular night, Steve proposed that we try something new and create something together that would combine our skills in management, logistics, planning, creating, education, and presenting.

Normally, a conversation like this would have taken days or even months to reach a decision. But at that point in my career, I was ready for change and enthusiastically said YES. We didn't have all the details figured out; we simply felt a calling towards a different path. I was so excited that I gave my 30-day notice within the week.

We reached out to a friend who worked as a consultant in the field of education to explore the possibility of becoming consultants ourselves. Additionally, we contacted the National Park Service to inquire about creating educational content for students based on filming in the parks. Both endeavors turned out to be successful. Steve and I began traveling together, generating new ideas, and being in each other's company 24/7.

After a few years in the educational corporate world, my job was unexpectedly eliminated. This was a daunting blow as it had been our main source of income at the time while we pursued our dream of creating free content for students. While I felt scared, Steve remained undeterred. He believed that our plan was only just beginning to unfold. We took a few days off to contemplate and dream together, discovering that the May 28th date in 2016 was merely the first step. The corporate world had been a temporary stop on our journey, but it was certainly not our final destination. With renewed determination, we set out to find our true purpose and passion, knowing that by aligning those two things, we would discover our mission.

We began reaching out to close friends, prayer warriors, and specific national park sites to pursue our dream. Countless late nights, vision boards, post-it notes on hotel room walls, and prayers later, Expeditions in Education was born. Our dream had transformed into reality. While it's challenging to pinpoint the exact moment when everything fell into place, it did, and we couldn't be happier. We are now doing what we genuinely believe we are called to do. Running a nonprofit that isn't financially lucrative can bring about anxiety, but we have faith that God led us to this purpose and will guide us when the time comes to move on.

So, where are we now? Through our STEAM in the PARK summer camps, we have connected over 600 educators to 17 national parks. Also, we have created content within the national parks, bringing the wonders of the national parks to more than 3.2 million students, teachers, families, and community members. We have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of park rangers and staff who share our commitment to a better world. To encourage students to learn more about the world around them, we are writing children's books using video transcriptions from our park videos. Our network of friends across the country supports and encourages us, and our social media presence is thriving. We know that our work is making a difference. As we look ahead to 2024, financial concerns occasionally loom, but Steve reassures me that doing good work is more powerful than anxiety. He takes care of the logistics, allowing me the freedom to dream and create.
​
If you are interested in supporting our work financially, we would love to speak with you. You can make a one-time donation or choose to support us monthly. Every contribution directly impacts our ability to make a positive difference in schools across the country. For more information, please reach out to [email protected].
​

A Letter to the Supporters and Participants of Expeditions in Education

The arrival of the new year is filled with promise and fresh opportunities. Let's take this unique journey together, forging a path different from the traditional New Year's resolutions. In 2024, we invite you to join us on a deeply personal expedition that intertwines the marvels of nature, mindful journaling, and compassion into the very fabric of our mission. This year, our focus is not only on enriching our own lives but also on igniting positive change in the world through Expeditions in Education.

Nature has always been a great source of inspiration for us. In 2024, we commit to immersing ourselves even deeper in the wonders of the natural world. There are countless national parks to explore, numerous hiking trails to traverse, and countless moments to relish in nature's embrace. The wilderness holds boundless wisdom, and it is high time we seize the valuable lessons it teaches us.

Our journey in education is an odyssey that thrives on inspiration. In this year's shared mission, we aspire to uplift and encourage one another. Our focus will be on exchanging innovative teaching methods, providing unwavering support to fellow educators, and nurturing the flames of curiosity in our students. The possibilities for educational excellence are truly limitless when we work together.

Integrity, kindness, and empathy have always stood as the cornerstones of being a good person. In 2024, we are placing these virtues at the forefront of our daily lives. We believe that even the smallest actions can create a ripple effect of positive change. Therefore, one of our main goals this year is to prioritize selfless acts of kindness. Extending a helping hand, making generous donations, or volunteering our time can have a profound impact on the lives of others.

Diversity is a mosaic that enriches our existence. In 2024, we are determined to wholeheartedly accept others for who they are and embrace the richness of human experiences. Engaging in open-minded conversations and fostering understanding will guide us as we pave the way for a more harmonious and inclusive world. Compassion is also a quality that can be nurtured and developed. By 2024, we are committed to becoming more caring individuals. Our dedication to alleviating the pain and struggles of others, along with acts of kindness, will shape us into beacons of compassion.

At Expeditions in Education, our work serves as a catalyst for change. This year, we are expanding our family of national parks, and we are determined to make STEAM in the PARK 2024 the best ever! Our mission goes beyond education; it is about making a lasting impact on the world. Let us collaborate to craft a brighter future for all. In 2024, we release the grip of past criticisms. No longer will they cast shadows over our work and self-worth. As our daughter, Katie, reminds us, "Remember that you are a cupcake, not a muffin." 

As we embark on this journey in 2024, let us hold close the words of Mahatma Gandhi: "You must be the change you want to see in the world." Together, we possess the power to inspire, educate, and transform the world for the better. Let this year serve as a testament to our unwavering commitment to nature, compassion, and positive change through Expeditions in Education.

With heartfelt gratitude,

​Dacia & Steve

​🎈 Happy Birthday, National Park Foundation! 🌲🎉 Today, we're not just celebrating your special day; we're celebrating the amazing journey we've been on together.

Three years back, you decided to take a chance on our little nonprofit. Guess what? It's been nothing short of magical! Thanks to you, we've reached over a million students, educators, families, and community members. That's a million minds who now know and love our parks just a bit more because of us. 🌎👧👦

Every step of the way, your support has been like a steady hand on our shoulder. Whether it was a tough project or a big dream, you were there, believing in us more than we sometimes believed in ourselves. 🌳🌅

Today, we're not just thriving; we're soaring! And it's all thanks to you. Your faith in us turned our little spark of an idea into a wildfire of change and learning. Here's to many more years of doing great things together. Happy Birthday, and a massive thank you from all of us! 🌟💚

#NationalParkFoundation #HappyBirthday #ThankYou #EducationMatters #MakingADifference 🎈🌲🎉

Expeditions in Education and our National Parks make it possible for thousands of students to explore natural wonders every year, even if they can't visit in person.

Our National Parks are like a greatest hits album of Mother Nature. They're places that make you say, "Wow!" Unfortunately, not every student gets the chance to visit these beautiful spots. Some live far away, and others might not have the money for a big school trip.

That's where virtual learning comes in. Expeditions in Education brings the parks right to the classroom, making sure that every student, no matter where they live, can experience the magic of our National Parks. It's all about giving everyone the chance to learn from these incredible places.

But it's not just about pretty pictures and stunning landscapes. It's about the knowledge students gain, the friends they make, and the connections they form with schools from all over the country. These virtual field trips let students explore, learn, and solve problems as if they were actually in the park.

The impact of these virtual field trips is huge. They can change lives by sparking a lifelong love for nature and conservation. When students get to see and learn about these parks up close, it helps them understand the environment, history, and culture of these places. It also encourages them to take care of these national treasures.

A recent event called "Holiday in the Parks ZOOM" brought together over 3,000 students and 23 different national parks. It was a big online gathering that showed just how powerful these virtual trips can be. Students and park rangers from all over the country came together to celebrate our natural heritage.

In this virtual world, students from different states and regions shared their unique perspectives and learned together. They talked about everything from snowy landscapes in the Rockies to the tropical vibes of Hawaii. Their enthusiasm and curiosity were infectious, showing just how impactful virtual field trips can be.

The chat was alive with discussions about wildlife, landscapes, and even weather conditions. Students weren't just passive learners; they were active participants in their own education. It was a beautiful example of how programs like Expeditions in Education can engage and empower young learners.

Expeditions in Education and our National Parks prove that virtual field trips aren't a replacement for real-life experiences. Instead, they're a fantastic way to enhance the educational journey for every student. These virtual adventures offer a peek into the wonders of our national parks, igniting a sense of wonder and a commitment to preserving our natural treasures.

A huge thanks to the National Park Foundation for being such a great collaborative partner! Below is a word cloud generated from the chats. Talk about covering all subjects in just a few short hours. 

​A few years ago, my husband and I left our traditional jobs to pursue a dream - connecting the wonders of national parks with the inquisitive minds in schools across the country. It began with a simple idea: filming in parks to create free educational content. Starting with just 10 parks in the first year, we've expanded to over 150 national park sites by year four, positively affecting 3.5 million students and educators.

Yesterday, a friend posed a question on LinkedIn, "Are online communities still a thing?" It made me think. How DO we build a community of educators who depend on, learn from, and support each other? Where do these connections come alive? Is it merely about a shared product or technology, or is there something more profound?

Our journey brought us to Facebook, a platform we selected to cultivate a safe, spam-free space for genuine conversation and deep sharing. Since launching our "STEAM in the PARK" initiative in 2021, our modest group of 32 has flourished to over 500 members. We've broadened our reach with monthly passion PLCs and WhatsApp, fostering a family of learners filled with love and positivity. During the summer, these community members meet up in national parks for summer camp. 

"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." – Phil Jackson

This quote truly reflects our experience. Although in-person interaction is unparalleled, our online platforms have become an essential space for educators and park rangers to connect, build trust, and advance their journeys with us. In three years, our Facebook community has grown to 558 members. It may not be enormous, but it's authentic, purposeful, and significant. This number doesn’t even include our extensive email community.

As we aim for "til the whole world knows," we celebrate every step in cultivating this community. It's a path of shared passions, continuous learning, and collectively embracing the classroom that nature offers.

​PS- thanks Dean for teaching me about community years ago. 

#EducatorsOfNature #CommunityBuilding #NationalParksEducation #STEAMInThePark #JourneyTogether

​​
Oh, December! You know, it's usually all about the cozy vibes and generous spirits, but this year, wow, we've kicked it up a notch. We have started our 25-day kindness challenge, and I've just gotta spill about the fantastic stuff going on around here.

So, picture this: In one of our classrooms, there's this teacher who's totally embraced the challenge with her students. And what they've done? Just melts your heart. They got crafty and made these bookmarks, each a little masterpiece, and didn't just keep them in class – they sent a bunch off to another class way up in Alaska. The excitement in those kids' eyes? Just proves that kindness is like the coolest thing to them.

Now, let's talk about our teacher-wellness gang. They're mixing it up in a delicious way. Sharing recipes – but not just any recipes. We're talking wholesome, soul-soothing stuff. It's this sweet reminder that being kind can be as easy as sharing your fave recipe.

And oh, you've gotta hear about this letter-writing gig another educator kicked off with her Advisory crew. They're putting pen to paper, pouring their hearts into each word, aiming to light up someone's day. It's just proof of how a simple letter can tug at your heartstrings.

Then, there's this genius "Month of Kindness" board idea one of our teachers came up with. Everyone's writing about kind acts on these cute light bulb papers. It's only been a day, and the board's already a beacon of all the goodness around us.

The kindness bug's even spreading beyond our school walls. One teacher's kid, Jeniah, started her own "Santa's Kindness Journal." It's downright inspiring to see the little ones grabbing these ideas and sprinting with them, scattering happiness as they go.

And I can't skip this story about an educator and her hubby. They scribbled down 25 kindness acts and stuffed them in a jar. Each morning, they pick one and that's their kindness mission for the day. Come dinner time, it's story-sharing time, each day its own mini kindness adventure.

But wait, there's more! So many more tales of kindness, each one lighting up our world a bit more. This challenge? It's not just about what we do, it's about the vibe it creates – this whole atmosphere of caring, sharing, and joy-spreading.

Seeing all this kindness unfold is just filling me up with so much warmth. It's this beautiful nudge that, no matter what's going down around us, we've always got the choice to sprinkle a little kindness. So, let's keep this kindness train chugging and see just how much joy we can spread by the time we hit day 25! 🌟