Day 2 Reflection – Acadia STEAM in the PARK

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