STEAM in the PARK — Day 1 at Delaware Water Gap (DEWA)

We’ve officially kicked off our first-ever STEAM in the PARK camp at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area—and wow, what a start!

Record Broken: For the first time in STEAM in the PARK history, every single one of our 33 campers arrived before registration ended! That’s right—we’re off to a punctual, powerful start.

Another Record? Maybe not one we want… After 8 camps this summer with temperatures in the low 70s, we may be breaking a new kind of record as the heat settles in. No A/C in the cabins means every Walmart fan within a 20-mile radius has likely found a new home here at Pocono Environmental Education Center. (Sorry, Milford!)

Cabin Life: Campers are bunked up in shared cabins at PEEC—one of the nation’s oldest and most respected environmental education centers. Did you know this site used to be “Honeymoon Haven” back in the day? From lovebirds to lifelong learners, this place has always welcomed those ready for an adventure.

Evening Inspiration: Before dinner, we gathered to hear from Ranger Dani, Chief of Interpretation and Education at DEWA. She reminded us that parks hold both beauty and truth—and that telling the full story, including the complicated parts, is how we grow and ensure a better future.

Dinner with Friends: We shared a spaghetti meal with a college group from Pennsylvania and an incredible Easter Seals camp. It was community-building in action—campers of all ages, coming together over good food and shared purpose.

Up Next: Tomorrow we hike to Tumbling Falls and welcome 200+ campers to the grounds (don’t worry—we’re not in charge of them 😉).

And we’re just getting started.