Day Two: Grand Teton STEAM in the PARK — Sunrise, Soulmates, and Surprises

What do you get when you mix 36 educators, a 4 AM wake-up call, and the mighty Grand Tetons? A day full of beauty, soul-stretching hikes, quiet reflection, tiny art, and one BIG announcement.

Many started their day in the pre-dawn hush, bundled in jackets, quietly making their way to Mormon Row to watch the sunrise. And oh, was it worth it. The first rays of light slowly spilled over the jagged Teton peaks, and time stood still for just a moment. After breakfast, we were lucky enough to be joined by Ranger Amy, a seasonal ranger who splits her time between Grand Teton and the Everglades. She shared the deeper story of this place—why it matters, what it teaches us, and why it’s sacred. We even got to try on bear hides and connect more personally with the wildlife and wonder of this landscape.

After the sun lit up the valley, we laced up our boots for a 3.5-hour hike through some of the park's most meaningful places. It wasn't just about the views—it was about the land, the legacy, and the quiet way the Earth reminds us we’re a part of something bigger. We talked about the importance of stewardship, listened to the sound of wind in the trees, and let the trail teach us what it needed to say.

Later, Ambassador Kim led us through a beautiful session focused on sound mapping. She reminded us how important it is to pause, listen, and center ourselves before tackling hard things. It was the kind of grounding we didn’t know we needed—until we did.

Then came the tiny art… in a tin! Our campers dug deep into their creative side, and let’s just say—no one saw this coming. What started as hesitation turned into tiny masterpieces and huge smiles. They surprised themselves, and each other.

We also had our beloved book buddy exchange—and it could not have been more perfect. Each match felt handpicked by the universe. People found soulmates, not just in stories, but in each other. Books brought us together, but it was the sharing that made the magic.

Tonight, we gathered to watch Out There: A National Park Story. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. This film reminded us why we’re here and who we do this for. It was powerful, beautiful, and deeply moving.

And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for. As our glow stick art lit up the night, we let this camp announce one of our locations for next summer.

So without further ado, drumroll please…
🎉 STEAM in the PARK is heading to Glacier National Park in 2026! 🎉

Yes, we’re tired. Yes, our feet hurt. But our hearts? Oh, they’re full. Day Two was unforgettable—and we’re just getting started.