Day 2: Bears, Totems, and Birds in the Sky

Our second day in Sitka was packed with adventure and meaning. We began at the Fortress of the Bear, a remarkable rescue and education center dedicated to giving orphaned cubs a second chance at life.

Their mission is rooted in conservation, education, and compassion—turning heartbreaking beginnings into hopeful futures.
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Campers met the resident bears and got to know their names and stories: Lucky and Toby, two brown bears with very different personalities; Chaik, the curious black bear who always seems to be watching; and the playful siblings Smokey and Bandit, whose antics kept everyone smiling. Each bear’s story reminded us that wild animals need wild places—and that humans have a responsibility to help protect them.

From there, we traveled to Sitka National Historical Park, where towering totems line the forest trail. Ranger Liz welcomed us with warmth and knowledge, and she swore us in as official Junior Rangers. Right hands raised, campers made the pledge to protect and respect our national parks.

Afterwards, they set out on a scavenger hunt—spotting animals, studying carvings, and piecing together history along the trail. The prize? Stickers. And if you know teachers, you know how seriously we take our sticker collections.

The evening gave us time to slow down and create. Paintbrushes in hand, we practiced our painting skills, inspired by the stories and scenery around us. As the day faded, we came together to watch Out There: A National Parks Story, reflecting on the beauty of these places and the people who protect them.
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Tomorrow, our journey continues at the Sitka Sound Science Center, where we’ll dive into the wonders of marine science and the rich ecosystems of Alaska’s waters. Curiosity is buzzing, and we can’t wait to discover what’s next.​