Day 82/82: What a journey! We visited 11 national park sites for 12 incredible camps, including 2 family camps with over 100 campers. In total, we hosted 389 campers, traveled 16,819 miles by planes and cars, crossed 9 time zones, washed clothes in laundromats 5 times, stayed in 11 hotels, and rented 12 cars. Steve made sure I had at least 17 six packs of Diet Dr. Pepper to keep going strong!

Along the way, we connected with nearly 100 park rangers, volunteers, and partners who enriched our experiences. Nature blessed us with sightings of moose, bears, crabs, fish, foxes, raccoons, bald eagles, birds, banana slugs, bats, snakes, salamanders, turkeys, deer, big skies, and northern lights.

We hosted 32 campfires with about 17 pounds of marshmallows and 96 bags of chocolate, and celebrated 11 "Shake It Off" ice-cream parties. We used private eyes (cue the music), string, and journals to explore the world around us. Over 15 pounds of beads transformed into 600+ bracelets, 389 books were exchanged, and more than 350 postcards will be mailed in September.

We welcomed a diverse group of educators—paraprofessionals, social workers, guidance counselors, librarians, music, art, and drama teachers, ESOL instructors, principals, assistant principals, technology instructors, grade level teachers, content-specific teachers, college professors, students, retirees, and park rangers.

Countless gallons of coffee fueled us, and we cooked 20 pounds of bacon (just at 2 campsites!). We sang and played recorders on beaches, at campsites, in pavilions, in buildings, in caves, by the water—anywhere that didn’t have a noise ordinance!

But most importantly, we found reasons to love each other, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

#STEAMinthePARK2024 is complete, and we can’t wait for YEAR 5! Thank you for being a part of our lives. Thank you also to NERI, GRTE, ASIS, MORA, REDW, ACAD, BRCA, VOYA, ROMO, MACA, and NAMA for supporting #STEAMinthePARK. We are excited for 2025!

Steve & Dacia ❤️

Camp #10 at Rocky Mountain National Park was pretty spectacular! Our campers were captivated by the incredible knowledge shared by the rangers about the greenback cutthroat trout, a species with a remarkable story of survival and conservation. The experience was made even more special by our amazing volunteers who took the time to teach all our educators how to fly fish—such a fun and educational experience for everyone!

We are so grateful to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy for providing us with tents and campsites, ensuring that our time in the park was comfortable and connected with nature.

But the moment that truly touched our hearts was our visit with Park Ranger, Rising Buffalo. We first met him at Chaco Culture National Historical Park in 2020 and were thrilled to hear that he moved to ROMO last year. His storytelling and encouragement to delve deeper into the history and significance of the places we live in resonated with all of us. His presence added a meaningful layer to our camp, reminding us of the importance of connecting with the native people within each park.
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#STEAMinthePARK connects and collaborates with over 400 educators each summer across 12 national parks, but it's moments like these, learning from and with the native people, that stay with us forever.
Onward to Camp #11 at Mammoth Cave National Park

At STEAM in the PARK, we often receive inquiries asking, "Can you create a camp specifically for computer science, just history, the arts, or other content?" Our answer might surprise you: it's not about tailoring our camps to fit a particular subject. Instead, STEAM in the PARK is about providing transformative experiences that transcend traditional content areas, inspiring educators to infuse their classrooms with renewed curiosity and engagement.

The Power of Nature
Nature possesses a unique ability to transform learning spaces into dynamic, active environments. When educators step into the great outdoors, they rediscover the awe and wonder they felt as children. This rekindling of curiosity is not confined to any single subject but spans across all content areas. Whether you teach math, science, history, or the arts, the experiences you gain at STEAM in the PARK will enrich your teaching in unexpected and profound ways.

Rediscovering Awe
Our experiential approach offers educators opportunities to find themselves again. Away from the confines of textbooks and lesson plans, they engage in hands-on activities that reignite their passion for learning. This renewed enthusiasm is not just about the subjects they teach but about how they teach. When educators rediscover their own sense of awe, they bring that same sense of wonder back to their students, no matter what the subject.

A Safe Space for All Educators
At STEAM in the PARK, we create a safe and inclusive environment where all educators can find their place. Here, teachers from diverse backgrounds come together to share experiences, collaborate, and support one another. Our camps are not about fitting into a particular mold or following a prescribed method. Instead, we empower educators to transform their teaching in ways that resonate with their unique styles and their students' needs.

Transforming Classrooms with New Curiosity
The true value of STEAM in the PARK lies in the adventures we provide. These experiences equip educators with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that make their classrooms more engaging. By stepping out of their comfort zones and into nature, teachers gain the tools and inspiration to offer their students opportunities to change the world.

No Products Needed
You don't need to buy a product or teach a certain way before you join us at STEAM in the PARK. We believe in the power of experiences to drive change. Our camps offer a wealth of adventures that empower you to make your classroom a more dynamic and exciting place for learning. We've got you covered, providing the support and inspiration you need to bring back transformative experiences to your students.

Join Us
If you're ready to rediscover your passion for teaching, to find new ways to engage your students, and to experience the transformative power of nature, STEAM in the PARK is the place for you. Join us on this journey, and let's create classrooms where curiosity knows no bounds and learning becomes an adventure.