STEAM in the PARK Blog

90 Days on the Road: By the Numbers

8/29/2025

Ninety days. That’s what the calendar says, but we know better. It was a season—full of movement, full of people, full of moments that stitched themselves into our lives.

Thirteen camps spread across 12 states. Each one became more than a pin on the map—these were places where strangers turned into family, where laughter echoed across canyons, and where the simple act of showing up turned into something unforgettable. Nearly 17,134 miles carried us from one horizon to the next until the road itself became part of the story.

Thirteen rental cars, fifteen hotels in between camps, and a scatter of bunkbeds, cabins, and lodges—each one another stop on a journey that never stood still. Thirteen flights lifted us into the clouds, giving us the gift of seeing the world in wide view.

Three hundred sixty-seven campers stepped into these spaces with courage and curiosity, and every one of them left with a story that will stay with them. 13 national park sites, twenty-seven rangers and conservancy staff and eight naturalists gave us more than knowledge; they gave us their wonder, their connection, their fire. And while there were no injuries to speak of, there were plenty of tears—tears that came from joy, from growth, from realizing how much these places and people matter.

We rode horses under skies so wide they made us feel small. We floated rivers that whispered the art of letting go. We hiked trails that stretched our muscles and fed our spirits. We paused for 65 sunrises and 65 sunsets, each one preaching the same sermon: light always returns.

Birds sang us awake. Games reminded us not to take ourselves too seriously. Journals held the stories we didn’t want to lose. And yes—thirteen twelve-packs of Diet Dr Pepper came along for the ride, because sometimes the smallest comforts carry you farther than you’d think.

The numbers are what we can count. But the truth—the real truth—is in what can’t be measured: the friendships, the laughter, the healing, and the kind of connection that lasts long after the road fades behind us. STEAM in the PARK 2026 is coming soon!

With gratitude,

Steve and Dacia

Day 4 & 5 STEAM in the PARK at Yosemite

8/29/2025

Yesterday, we were awakened by a beautiful mama bear and her two cubs and we knew right then the day would begin on a good note.

From there, we spent the morning with Naturalist Chris, who guided us right to the base of El Capitan. Standing beneath that towering granite wall, he showed us the techniques climbers use to scale its face and helped us imagine what it takes to reach the summit. He also shared the Indigenous story of how El Capitan got its name. The Ahwahneechee told of two bear cubs who climbed to the top of a rock while their mother searched for food. When she returned, the rock had risen higher and higher into the sky, lifting the cubs beyond her reach. That great stone became “Tutokanula,” the towering cliff we now call El Capitan. Hearing this story right there at its base gave the mountain a voice and history all its own.

In the afternoon, campers had a free day and took the chance to explore this beautiful place even more. Some wandered through the meadow, some journaled, some simply paused to take in the views—each finding their own way to connect with Yosemite.

Last night, because so many had to leave early, we held our closing circle. It was bittersweet, but it felt right. Together we laughed, cried, and remembered—then said the words we’d been waiting for: We did it.

This morning we are heading home!

STEAM in the PARK 2025 is officially complete.

Day 3: Science, Sounds, and Stories in the Dark

8/27/2025

Today was a full day of science, rooted in the living classroom of Yosemite.

We began by diving into the world of Yosemite’s native plants. Surrounded by towering pines and flowering understory, we explored how these plants don’t just belong here—they anchor the ecosystem. Together, we asked an important question: Which native plants would thrive in our own backyards? The answer, we learned, depends not only on soil and sunlight but on the animals that call those plants home. Birds, bees, butterflies, and countless others rely on native species for food and shelter.

To bring this idea to life, we played the Pollinator Game and even had a round of Taboo, turning science into laughter and strategy. Each round reminded us how interconnected plants, pollinators, and people truly

Later, our focus shifted to carbon stored in trees. On the surface, it looked like an equation lesson—numbers, formulas, calculations. But what unfolded was deeper than math. We discovered that trees aren’t just data points in a carbon chart; they’re lifelines. Every trunk, leaf, and root is part of the cycle that keeps us alive.

Nature Bridge added a little twist when the power went out again for a few hours. Instead of missing out, we leaned in. With pencils in hand, we created sound maps, capturing every rustle, crackle, and call drifting across the forest. I’ll admit—I may have “snuck in” a few bird calls from the Merlin app, just to see if anyone noticed. (They did!)

As the lights finally flickered back on, we gathered for our scat activity and ended the night around a fire, marveling at the 17 species of bats, which seemed to all be hovering over our heads

Yes, the power came back—but by then, we had already lit our own sparks of wonder.

Photo by Stephanie Schoening Spencer

Day two at STEAM in the PARK – Yosemite will stay with us for a long time.

8/26/2025

This morning we spent time with Ranger Shelton Johnson, a true facilitator of astonishment. He shared the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and reminded us that when stories aren’t told, they risk disappearing. His words carried weight and left a mark on our entire group.

The afternoon shifted to hands-on discovery—pinecones, art projects, and simple moments that made us stop and notice. Dinner tonight felt more like gathering with family than just sharing a meal. We closed the evening watching Out There by Brendan Hall, which gave us a chance to see our own experiences reflected back in film.

We ended the night under Yosemite’s dark skies, surrounded by stars and gratitude, with plenty to think about.

#STEAMinthePARK #StoriesThatMatter #FireflyFamily

The Last First Day – Yosemite National Park, NatureBridge

8/25/2025

Tonight I’m sitting here in Yosemite, thinking about how this was our very last “first day” of STEAM in the PARK for 2025. What a place to close the circle.

The NatureBridge campus here is stunning—tucked into the forest, wrapped in quiet beauty. It’s still in stage one of development, so things are just beginning to take shape. Soon there will be more buildings and spaces, but for now it felt kind of magical to all pile into one big cabin together for the night. It was a little crowded, a little chaotic, but full of laughter and togetherness—the way camp should feel.

Then came the storm. By 3:00 in the afternoon the power blinked out, and it stayed out until 9:00. Six hours of darkness, thunder, and rain echoing across the valley. We leaned on lanterns and flashlights, but mostly on each other. When the lights finally came back on, we realized we hadn’t really missed them—we already had everything we needed.

The best part of the evening was sharing our campfire with 13 high school students from Stockton who are part of a program called WildLink. It’s designed to connect young people—many visiting Yosemite for the first time—to this park and to the idea that they, too, are stewards of these lands. Around the fire, stories and laughter passed easily between us, a reminder that the parks belong to everyone, and that connections like this matter.

And tomorrow… well, tomorrow we get to spend the day with none other than Shelton Johnson. I can’t think of a better way to honor this last camp than by learning from someone who has given his life to telling Yosemite’s story.

Here’s to the storm, the stories, the cabin, the firelight—and to all the “first days” that led us here.

Reflection on SITKA!

8/22/2025

Five days in Sitka reminded us of something easy to forget in today’s world: hope still lives where people choose to see one another fully.

In a country that often feels divided and weighed down by hate, we found ourselves standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Sitka—community members who welcomed us not as outsiders, but as neighbors. Together we learned, listened, and shared. Their generosity of spirit and openness gave us more than just experiences; they gave us hope.

If we only look at the world through the narrow lens of our own experiences, our vision will always be blurry and incomplete. But when we step into someone else’s story, when we allow ourselves to see through their eyes, something changes. Clarity comes. And with it, the kind of 20/20 vision that can only be built from compassion, curiosity, and connection.

Sitka showed us what it looks like when differences don’t divide but instead enrich. And we leave carrying the reminder that hope grows stronger every time we choose to see each other clearly. Our campers will forever be changed because of this experience.

Day 4: STEAM in the PARK – Discovery Above & Below

8/21/2025

Our final full day was bursting with curiosity, adventure, and community.

The morning opened with incredible ambassador-led sessions—sound mapping that tuned our ears to the landscape, “Nature’s Engineers” that revealed how animals build and adapt, and a thoughtful reflection that helped us pause and look back on all we’ve learned this week.

After lunch, campers dove into a whirlwind of experiences—snorkeling in clear waters, kayaking across the waves, dancing, whale watching, hiking forest trails, and even shopping for treasures to remember this place by.

This evening we slowed down, weaving camp bracelets as symbols of our shared journey and peering through pocket microscopes to discover the tiny world beneath our feet. We ended the night in the glow of a campfire—s’mores in hand, firefly ceremony lighting the dark, and gratitude filling the air.

One more morning together—hearts full, spirits grounded, and stories ready to carry home.

Day 3: STEAM in the PARK – Culture, Science & Sunshine

8/20/2025

What a gift of a day here in Sitka! We spent time at the Sitka Science Center, where the salmon life cycle came alive—not just in biology, but through Tlingit language and cultural wisdom:

Xáat kusteeyí — Salmon life cycle
Xáat kaháagu — Salmon eggs
Xáat yátx'i — Baby salmon
Nadaayí héen — Stream/river
Xáat yátx'i éil' tléin kaadéi yóo yaa.héink — Baby salmon swimming back to the ocean

Hearing and speaking these words reminded us how language carries respect for the land, water, and all living things.

From working in the salmon hatchery (where conservation and culture meet), to learning about “a course within a course” from a retired teacher (real-world connections make learning unforgettable), today was filled with wisdom and hands-on discovery.

We wandered the aquarium, explored STEAM camps at the center, and even squeezed in some improv fun . Tonight, we circled up for scat chat and a campfire, ending the day with sparks, stories, and laughter under the stars.

And here’s the surprise—we were told to expect rain all week, but instead? Blue skies and sunshine. For that, and for this community of learners and leaders, we are deeply grateful.

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

8/19/2025

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.

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.

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.

Day 1: STEAM in the PARK Arrives in Sitka

8/18/2025

What a start to our second-to-last camp of the summer! Every single camper made it to Sitka within 45 minutes of the planned arrival time—a small miracle when planes, ferries, and island weather are in the mix. It felt like the universe was cheering us on as we gathered together for this adventure.

In Sitka, walking is the way to travel. Though it holds the title of the largest city in the world by land area (4,815 square miles), there are only about 14 miles of paved road. That means our feet—and maybe a pair of sturdy shoes—are the best transportation we’ve got. Everywhere you turn here, it feels like the mountains tumble straight into the sea, and the rainforest breathes with life.

We are calling the historic Sheldon Jackson Campus our home this week, the same grounds where the Sitka Fine Arts Camp welcomes artists from around the world each summer. The place hums with history and creativity, and it’s the perfect backdrop for our time together.

Already today, wildlife has made its presence known. Bald eagles swooped overhead as if to welcome us. Sea otters bobbed in the harbor, cracking open shellfish with ease. We’ve spotted deer, ravens, and even caught glimpses of salmon running through the streams. On our wish list for the week? Bears, sea lions, and maybe—if luck smiles on us—the shimmering curtain of the Northern Lights. With tonight’s forecast calling for clear skies, we’re keeping our hopes high.

This is just the beginning. Tomorrow, we dive into the world of bears and step foot in our national park site here in Sitka. Adventure, science, and stories are waiting for us in every corner of this island.

Sitka, we’re ready.