After our incredible experience at Acadia, we came home, unpacked, and slept for a few days. Then we thought, "We can do this again." While doubling our camps for 2022 would have made sense in the world of math, we decided to host eight instead. Was it hard? Yes—because even with a working model, we still had to convince national parks to allow us to come during COVID. We reached out to multiple parks, and eight of them said yes (one agreeing just a few months before we went). We began meetings with each park to plan on a grander scale, working through logistics for food, travel, lodging, programming, supplies, and more. But it worked—it really worked. All of the rangers were extremely excited to make this happen. We made plans for Niobrara National Scenic River, Bryce Canyon, New River Gorge, National Mall, Acadia National Park, Mammoth Cave, Crater Lake, and Great Smoky Mountains. We designed our website, advertised the parks, and on January 1st, we opened up applications. Within two weeks, we only had about 25 applications, and I was crushed. But we hung in there, and by February 10th, we had over 250. There were a few roadblocks. My goal was to make sure that everyone could afford camps, so we priced them lower than they actually cost. This was a great idea, but it caused us some problems later on. No matter the obstacles, we had a wonderful summer. We welcomed 197 campers to STEAM in the PARK 2022. We encountered canoe trips, prairie dogs, paddle boarding, Potomac cruising, tide pools, cave tours, volcano swimming, and salamanders. It was another magical summer. I think we are on to something. One of the most rewarding outcomes has been building up a community of humans who believe in our work. This incredible community is now helping us make this happen, providing support, resources, and encouragement every step of the way. Continued tomorrow.
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After accepting that DC STEAM in the PARK would not happen in 2020, we moved forward. In July 2020, we created Expeditions in Education and applied to be a 501c3 nonprofit. This happened much quicker than Steve and I had imagined. By the first week in September, we were approved, and we continued dreaming of a STEAM in the PARK adventure. We had a framework of what we thought it could look like but never imagined it would blossom into what we have now. In October 2020, we visited Acadia to film a National Parks Expedition Challenge. There we met Ranger Kate Petrie. A new friendship was born, and we fell in love with Acadia. In January, we called Ranger Kate to see if she would entertain a STEAM in the PARK camp at Acadia if the world began healing soon. We talked for a few months, and in March, STEAM in the PARK at Acadia began to form. We kept the same type of schedule that we had dreamed of in DC, with ranger talks, art activities, historical connections, and lots of fun. We reached out again to some educators we knew and began planning for this event. Of course, Ranger Jen was invited because she had sparked the idea on those steps a year before. With our thought partner, Susan, we created the most amazing adventure at Schoodic Institute at Acadia National Park. In July, 32 educators from around the country joined us, and magic happened. We kissed crabs, chased the Milky Way, fell in love with porcupines, ate way too many s'mores, baked and decorated cookies, played in tide pools, and learned together. STEAM in the PARK became a reality. We are forever grateful to those 32 campers who showed up and showed us that this dream could become a reality. More tomorrow! Did you know that STEAM in the PARK actually began in 2020? It all started when Ranger Jen from the National Mall invited us to Washington, D.C., in January to film 5th grade students delivering their Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. "I Have a Dream" speeches on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It was a beautiful day, and the kids were absolutely incredible. This unforgettable experience happened just a few months before the world changed with the onset of Covid-19. After the students' inspiring performances, we stood on the steps of the memorial and discussed how amazing it would be to bring educators to the park for a few days of fun and learning. Right there, on those historic steps, the idea for STEAM in the PARK was born. When we returned home, we were filled with enthusiasm and immediately started planning for DC STEAM in the PARK. We created a Facebook group, invited 25 educators from around the country, held weekly meetings, and began to organize the event. Everything was moving smoothly, and the excitement was palpable. Then, Covid-19 struck. As the world grappled with this new reality, we continued planning for STEAM in the PARK, holding onto the hope that it would still happen. We persevered until the end of May, determined to make it work. However, when Georgetown University canceled our accommodations, we had no choice but to reluctantly cancel the event. Though disheartened, we knew this was not the end. Instead, we began to rethink and adapt to the reality of Covid-19. Our journey was far from over—more tomorrow... Stay tuned to hear how we pivoted and continued to bring STEAM in the PARK to life despite the challenges we faced. ​Supporting Educators in National Parks: A Call for Collaboration with the Outdoor Industry4/30/2024 As we stand in awe of the outdoor industry's remarkable growth, from humble beginnings to towering corporations, it's essential to honor the perseverance and innovation that have paved their path. Their journey from small-scale initiatives to significant market players is nothing short of inspirational and worthy of applause. At Expeditions in Education, we share a kindred spirit with the outdoor industry, albeit we tread a different path. Our mission through our initiative, "STEAM in the PARK," is distinct yet aligned with the core values of fostering love and respect for nature. Founded by my husband and me, our nonprofit works diligently to ensure that national parks are accessible to every student through complimentary virtual programming and that educators eager to explore these national treasures for collaboration and creativity can do so with ease. Each summer, we mobilize resources to enable educators to immerse themselves in the national parks, enriching their teaching arsenals and nurturing their spirits. While these educators only need to cover their food and lodging expenses, Expeditions in Education handles all other logistics to provide a seamless experience. However, every year presents a challenge as we strive to gather the necessary camping resources—tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, cooking utensils, and lanterns—for the educators. Despite our success in rallying donations annually, the increasing number of participants—400 educators this year—underscores a growing need. This brings me to a heartfelt request to the thriving giants of the outdoor industry. The spirit of giving back is vibrant among you, and it's an opportune moment to extend your support to those who are nurturing the next generation of nature enthusiasts and scholars. Your contributions can significantly alleviate the financial strains of procuring camping equipment, which are not covered by the educators themselves. While we understand the complexities of corporate giving, we are not asking for a handout but rather a partnership in making a difference. A donation of camping supplies would not only aid our cause but also signal to our educators that their efforts are recognized and valued by the corporate world—adding an extra layer of encouragement and appreciation. We are committed to maintaining the educational integrity of our programs and, as such, we consciously avoid donations from the alcohol industry due to our focus on educators and students. If this message resonates with you and you feel moved to support our cause, please reach out. Let's discuss how, together, we can ensure that our educators are well-equipped to continue providing invaluable experiences in our beautiful national parks. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a tangible impact. Learn more about our efforts and how you can contribute at expeditionsineducation.org. Together, we can continue to build bridges between education and the great outdoors, enriching lives and fostering a deep-seated appreciation for nature's wonders. Every summer, we have the privilege of taking 400 educators to 12 different national park sites across the country to dive deep into STEAM education. Our national park experiences are more than just a learning experience; they are opportunities for educators to create a sense of community. From the swamps of Big Cypress to the historical grounds of the Boyhood Home of Jimmy Carter, and from the natural beauty of Cades Cove in the Great Smokies to the iconic steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and 23 other park sites around the country, our educators have earned their Junior Ranger Badges and experienced a special connection to these places. A heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of rangers who have worked with us over the past five years, making these camps unforgettable. We know that nature's the perfect spot to bring people together. Under big skies and between the rustling trees, it reminds us we're all part of something bigger. We can't wait to bring everyone together this summer to build community, and of course, get those junior ranger badges. 🌟 It's Day 7 of #NationalParkWeek and today we're focusing on the incredible work happening at San Juan National Historic Site and Friends of San Juan National Historic Site with our dynamic duo, Rangers Kina and Carlos, alongside our stellar ACE interns! 🌿👷♂️👷♀️
Today at the historic San Juan Forts, our focus shifts from mere observation to active preservation. This iconic fortress, a cornerstone of Puerto Rican heritage, faces threats from the escalating impacts of climate change—think big storms and rising seas! 🌊🏰 Here's where our bright young students step in! Challenged to think like engineers, they're cooking up smart, sustainable solutions to fortify our forts. Barrier enhancements? Check. Structural innovations? You bet. New, weather-resistant materials? Absolutely. These ideas aren't just projects; they're potential lifelines for historic sites and future cities alike. 🛠️🌍 We're rolling out their projects to a panel of experts today—engineers and city planners are all ears. Let's cheer on these young problem-solvers who are bridging history and innovation for a safer, more resilient tomorrow! 👏🎉 #ProtectOurParks #EngineeringOurFuture #SanJuanNHS #ClimateAction https://www.expeditionsineducation.org/sanjuan.html Hello, fellow nature lovers! This week, as we celebrate the magnificent beauty of our national parks, I want to share a deeply personal story about how these sacred spaces have not only changed but literally saved my life. When I was younger, the hustle and bustle of everyday life often seemed overwhelming. It was during these times that my family found sanctuary in the breathtaking expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains. Camping there wasn't just a getaway—it was our chance to breathe, to be together, and to connect without the distractions of our busy lives. In those mountains, amidst the whispering forests and misty peaks, I met my husband. The Smokies held a special place in our hearts, so naturally, it became a tradition to bring our daughters there for summer vacations. It was our special place, a backdrop to our family's happiest moments and milestones. Years later, in a decision that would redefine our lives, my husband and I chose to leave our "real jobs" behind. Inspired by our profound experiences in the parks, we embarked on a mission to bring the wonders of these natural sanctuaries to students and educators across the country. We wanted to share the healing power of nature, the thrill of discovery, and the calm that comes from simply being present in the wilderness. Being fully immersed in nature gives you pause, a rare moment to reflect on your purpose and to confront the essential questions of your existence. It’s in the quiet majesty of a national park that many find their path, or at least, a chance to tread gently on a path of renewal and introspection. It’s a place where your spirit can truly refresh and where you can rediscover the quiet joy of being alive. These experiences have taught me that being in nature doesn’t just change you—it transforms you for the better. In the words of Mary Oliver, “The earth is what we all have in common.” Our national parks are a testament to this shared heritage, a reminder of our collective responsibility to cherish and protect these wonders. Our national parks are not just America's Best Idea—they are vital to our continued existence, serving as sanctuaries for every soul seeking peace and perspective. As we celebrate #NationalParkWeek, let's pledge to support, visit, and advocate for these incredible places. Let’s ensure that future generations can also stand atop mountains, gaze across vast forests, and find themselves transformed by the beauty of the natural world. Join me in celebrating the power of our national parks. Here's to finding ourselves, losing ourselves, and saving ourselves in the wild. Today, we shine a spotlight on Pullman National Historical Park, a site of rich history and vibrant community spirit. It has been an incredible journey with Pullman, both in our work and within classrooms across the nation.
🏫 Educational Impact: We've connected numerous classrooms to the powerful narratives that Pullman has to offer—both those widely celebrated and those previously untold. Through our partnership with the fantastic Ranger Alex, Ranger Ve'Amber and the dedicated PULL team, we've been able to integrate these stories directly into educational curriculums, enriching students' understanding of our shared history. 👩🏫 Teacher Engagement: Our initiatives have brought over 20 educators to Pullman, where they've not only learned about the park's significant past but also developed engaging content to take back to their students. This hands-on experience has empowered teachers to bring history to life in their classrooms. 🌟 Community Resilience and Sustainability: At the heart of Pullman's story is the incredible resilience of its community. These tales of strength and perseverance continue to inspire all who visit and learn about the park. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of the people who have shaped, and continue to shape, this historic area. Inspired by this, we are encouraging students to create sustainable communities in their own neighborhoods, modeled on the enduring legacy of Pullman. We're proud to work alongside the National Park Service and grateful for the opportunities to learn from and contribute to Pullman National Historical Park. Let's keep celebrating the stories that connect us and build futures rooted in resilience and sustainability! #NationalParkWeek #PullmanPark #HistoryLivesHere https://www.expeditionsineducation.org/pullman-national-monument.html Day 3: Today, let's discover the amazing Voyageurs National Park in Northern Minnesota. This park is special because of its connected water paths, many animals, and interesting tales.
Voyageurs National Park is a habitat for various creatures like loons and wolves, showing how important it is to have a variety of life and how we are linked to nature. By teaming up with Voyageurs Conservancy, the park provides learning sessions about its past and natural world, motivating guests to help with conservation work. During the evenings, the park's dim skies reveal an incredible sight of the stars, reminding us why it's essential to preserve natural darkness for animals and our health. Let's use the inspiration from Voyageurs' dark skies to highlight the effects of light pollution on nighttime animals and people's well-being. Through creative thinking, we can come up with ways to lessen light pollution in our neighborhoods, leading to a sustainable future. Together, let's admire the marvels of Voyageurs National Park and promise to protect its treasures for the next generations. Join us in safeguarding this exceptional place and encouraging others to do the same. https://www.expeditionsineducation.org/voyageurs-national-park.html Today, we're honoring the profound legacy of the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. On this historic path, courage echoed louder than footsteps, as thousands marched for civil rights.
The Edmund Pettus Bridge stands as a symbol of resilience. On Bloody Sunday, brave souls faced brutality for the right to vote. Their unwavering spirit ignited a movement that reshaped our nation's history. Reverend Richard Boone's unwavering dedication to justice echoes through time. His widow, Mary Boone, continues his legacy, sharing his story of hope and perseverance. Together, they inspire us to stand up for what's right. Students, you can be a part of this powerful narrative! Contribute to a town mural and let your creativity tell the tale of courage, unity, and change. Your brushstrokes can ignite conversations and honor those who paved the way for a brighter future. Let's walk this trail together, remembering the past, honoring the present, and shaping a better tomorrow. |