STEAM in the PARK Blog

Day 5 Reflection – Delaware Water Gap

7/31/2025

If last week was The Breakfast Club, this one was Stand by Me—minus the 1950s and the train tracks, but with all the grit, sweat, and soul-searching that happens when a group of grown-ups trades comfort for canyons, AC for adventure, and inboxes for insect repellent.

We arrived as individuals—some eager, others unsure, all of us hoping the beds were decent (they were). We met heat, humidity, and hikes that challenged more than just our quads. But somewhere between rocky climbs, bear sightings, quiet sketches, and that stretch of river where the paddling got real—we became something more. A crew. A trail family.
We pulled each other up steep paths that were definitely not flat.
We passed around water bottles, bug spray, and grace.
We offered shoulders and stories. Laughed through the sweat. Cheered for shade.

This week reminded us that even as adults—with responsibilities, roles, and never-ending to-do lists—we still need time to learn. To wonder. To be outside, uncomfortable and amazed, all at once.

The trees didn’t care about our job titles.
The bobcats didn’t flinch at our trail scent.
The river kept moving, even when we were tired.
And still—we showed up, we kept going, and we did it together.

And we absolutely could not have done it without Ranger Anna. Her knowledge, patience, and passion turned every rocky path and riverside moment into a deeper learning experience. She reminded us what it means to love a place enough to protect it—and taught us more in five days than we could’ve imagined. Ranger Anna, you are the heart of this experience. Thank you for walking every step with us.

We leave a little sunburned, a little trail-worn, a little sore—and a lot proud. We’re taking home more than photos and sketches. We’re carrying connection. To this place. To each other. To ourselves.

This wasn’t easy. But the best things rarely are.

Until next time—stay curious, stay wild, and maybe pack a fan.
You’ve more than earned it.

Now—onward to Cuyahoga Valley!

Day 4: Paddles, Eagles, and a Whole Lot of Laughter

7/30/2025

Today was our big river day, and while the forecast warned us it would be sweltering, Mother Nature had other plans. A few surprise breezes and a gentle rain shower rolled through just when we needed them most—nature's own air conditioning!

We paddled down the Delaware River together, watching eagles soar above us and feeling the rhythm of our boats move in sync. Some campers swam by choice, others… well, let’s just say the river was feeling playful. Whether on purpose or by accident, the splashes led to laughter that bounced off the banks.

It wasn’t just the scenery that made today special—it was the simple joy of being together, paddle strokes in harmony, sharing stories and songs along the way.

It’s hard to believe tomorrow we say goodbye. But for now, we’re holding tight to these river and trail memories and the friendships that have formed beside the current.

STEAM in the PARK – Day 3: Rocks, Leaves, Carbon, and Campfire Magic

7/29/2025

From sunrise to stars, today was packed with discovery, laughter, and just the right amount of dirt under our fingernails.

We began the day with a geology session led by Ranger Anna, who helped us read the story of this landscape through its layers of rock and sediment. Campers examined fossils, held ancient stones, and asked questions that would make any scientist proud.

Next, we joined Ambassador Melaney for leaf identification and nature sketching. Surrounded by trees, campers tuned into the small details—edges, veins, shapes—and turned observation into art. The forest became both classroom and canvas.

Ambassador KT followed with an energetic session on carbon sequestration. Campers measured tree diameters, did some math (yes, willingly!), and learned how our forests are powerful allies in the fight against climate change. Pokey the bear kept close watch—and maybe learned something too.

Later, we explored the Ecozone at PEEC, an immersive space filled with hands-on exhibits. Campers climbed into a life-size eagle’s nest, crawled through a bat cave, peeked inside a beaver lodge, and learned how different habitats support different species. Holli, PEEC’s amazing education director, guided us through each experience, connecting every zone to what we’ve seen out on the trails.

The afternoon gave us time to rest and roam—some chose hikes, others took quiet time to nap, read, or reflect. The camp rhythm is settling in, and it’s beautiful to watch.

Dinner brought us back together, followed by our always-hilarious Scat Party where campers identified animal droppings like true wildlife biologists (and laughed a lot along the way). We closed the evening around the campfire—sharing stories, songs, and s’mores under the stars.

These 33 campers are stepping up—caring for each other, this place, and our faithful mascot Pokey with genuine heart.

Tomorrow we paddle the Delaware River. Let the next adventure begin.

Day 2 at DEWA: Tumbling Falls Trek & Nature-Inspired Art

7/28/2025

Let’s just go ahead and say it—sometimes park rangers fib. Not on purpose, of course. But when Ranger Anna told us the hike to Tumbling Falls was “easy,” she must’ve meant easy for mountain goats. (Okay she actually said moderate but I heard easy)

Our group tackled 3.2 miles of hills, roots, rocks, and surprise inclines on our way to the falls—but wow, was it worth it. The sound of cascading water, the cool mist in the air, and the look of accomplishment on everyone’s face when we reached the top made every step worth it. (Even the sweaty ones!)

Yes, we arrived to lunch a whole hour late, but our incredible team still had warm food waiting for us. Recharged and refueled, we dove into an ecology lesson with Ranger Anna, and this time we got to be the experts—sharing grade-level feedback to help shape future education programs for students across the country.

Our creative brains kicked in after that with a fascinating drawing lesson from John Muir Laws, using animal skulls as inspiration to explore form, symmetry, and storytelling through sketching.

After dinner, we brought the outdoors to canvas in our Manet and Monet art session—blending impressionist techniques with our impressions of the park. And the best part? Ranger Anna joined us for the entire session, brush in hand.

We are closing the night with a showing of Out There: A National Park Story—a film that has inspired us all summer long.
Feet sore. Hearts full. Tomorrow, we explore again.

#STEAMinthePARK #TumblingFalls #RangerAnnaForever

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

7/27/2025

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.

DAY 4: STEAM in the PARK – VOYA STYLE (AKA: The Day We Became the Breakfast Club)

7/23/2025

We woke up this morning to buckets of rain. Not a drizzle. Not a sprinkle. Buckets. And while some might grumble about a soggy start, we took it as a sign from the universe that we deserved an extra hour of tent-snuggled napping. And wow—did we need it.

Refreshed and ready, we powered up with 4 pounds of bacon (yes, 4), French toast, and eggs. The breakfast of future scientists and poets. Then our incredible ambassadors led the charge—testing lake water for pH, phosphates, nitrates, and ammonium while others journaled in the company of bees, butterflies, and the brave few pollinators dodging the drizzle.

Tonight, we took part in a BIOBLITZ—identifying as many species as possible before the stars took over. Speaking of stars, Dark Sky Ranger Jesse showed up with stories, science, and a promise to meet us again at 1:00 am for a real dark-sky experience (if we’re still awake and not eaten by mosquitoes).

This group? Eclectic. Kind. The kind of group that shows up fully, whether for nature journaling, dish duty, or singing in the rain.

They reminded us of the Breakfast Club—a wild mix of:
Explorer. Thinker. Helper. Lover. Adventurer. Risk-taker. Naturalist. Observer. Seeker. Giver. Connector. Educator. Protector. Joy Finder.
We came in as strangers.
We leave as a family.
We are the Breakfast Club.

#STEAMinthePARK
#VoyageursMagic
#BreakfastClubEnergy

STEAM in the PARK • Day 3 Recap at Voyageurs National Park

7/22/2025

We kicked off the day with our fabulous pancake and yogurt bar—because nothing says adventure-ready like flapjacks topped with fruit, granola, and a little too much syrup.

Then it was off to Kettle Falls, where we met the legendary Ranger Mark. With a twinkle in his eye and a deep love for this place, he shared stories of voyageurs, fur traders, and the wild, watery world of what is now Voyageurs National Park. The skies threatened rain all day long… but somehow, we dodged most of it. Call it luck, call it fate, or maybe Ranger Mark has magical weather powers.

This evening, we got creative with our scat chat. Then Rodney led us in a sound mapping activity that helped us tune into the soft rustle of trees, the occasional loon call… and, unfortunately, the high-pitched whine of approximately 47,000 mosquitoes.

We ended the night watching Out There: A National Parks Story by Brendan Hall. The film? Incredible. The scenery? Stunning. The audience? Swatting constantly.

If we don’t say good morning tomorrow, just know we were probably taken out by blood loss or mosquito-related trauma. But truly—it was another unforgettable day in the wilds of northern Minnesota.

#STEAMinthePARK #VoyageursNP #MosquitoesAreNotAFanClub

STEAM in the PARK – Voyageurs National Park, Day 2

7/21/2025

What a day in the North Woods! We kicked things off with a camp breakfast to remember—hot pancakes, fluffy eggs, and crispy bacon that hit the spot. But the real highlight? Introducing our campers to someone we’ve known and loved for years—Moss!

Moss has been part of our world for a while, but today was the first time they got to share their deep knowledge of foraging with the whole crew. Together, we explored the trails, tasted nature’s offerings, and learned that food is truly life. Moss reminded us that we should eat to live, not live to eat. They even found a beautiful mushroom harvest and turned it into a forest-to-table lunch that left us all grateful and inspired.

After lunch, we had a powerful “Lunch and Learn” session with Kyra, a Field Fellow with Voyageurs Conservancy. She shared her journey into outdoor education and introduced the amazing career cards she created to spotlight the people behind the park. It was a perfect reminder that there are so many ways to build a life connected to nature.

Next up was Ambassador Rodney—also known as Ray Rod—who walked us through the carbon equation and gave us a lesson in grounding, both scientifically and spiritually.

Our free time was filled with fishing, swimming, hiking, journaling, napping, and all the things that make camp feel like home. After our delicious walking taco dinner, we headed to the docks for a plein air painting session under the setting sun.

To top it all off? Mountain pies by the campfire—white bread, butter, and pie filling toasted to golden perfection. A few brave campers even took their nightly dip in the lake around 8:30 (our version of bath time!).

Tomorrow, we’re hitting the water with the amazing Voyageurs Park Rangers—and we can’t wait.

Day One at Voyageurs National Park was full of magic and meaning!

7/20/2025

Our ambassadors, conservancy staff, and Steve were up early setting up our 7 tents and creating a welcoming kitchen space at the Kabetogama Group Site. By 1:00, all campers had arrived at the Ash River Visitor Center and boarded the NPS boat—ready for adventure.

Tents were pitched and made downright cozy—HGTV would be proud! We kicked off our time together with a classic hamburger cookout, journaling by the water, our book buddy exchange, and a heartfelt pin ceremony.

Our “Birds of a Feather” activity felt perfectly timed with the natural world around us. Nesting northern flickers, haunting calls from nearby loons, and a stunning bald eagle sighting reminded us that we’re part of something much bigger.

We closed the day with a peaceful campfire, full hearts, and sleepy smiles. Everyone’s tucked into their tents, ready for whatever tomorrow brings.

#STEAMinthePARK #VoyageursNationalPark

Reflection: ROMO FOMO Was Real

7/17/2025

A few years ago, one of our campers coined the phrase “ROMO FOMO” to describe the feeling of missing out on Rocky Mountain National Park week. And after this year’s experience, we can confirm—it’s real.

This summer, amidst flight delays and frantic arrivals, something beautiful unfolded: 18 campers came together, 12 of them brand new to STEAM in the PARK. What started as a group of strangers quickly became a family. And while we explored lakes and summits, tied flies, and searched for moose, the real magic was in the quiet kindness, the helping hands, the stories shared over cookstoves and campfires.

There is something undeniably peaceful about this place. The way the alpine breeze carries your thoughts a little further. The way the pines stand still while your heart gets stirred. And the way the ROMO rangers showed up—not just to teach, but to be with us. You could feel the camaraderie in every hike, every lesson, every firefly circle.

Each camper brought their own story—and some were heavier than others. One camper, in the early morning hours before departure, sent a message that reminded us why we do this work. She shared the weight she’s carried across six years of teaching—through pandemics, personal heartbreak, health scares, and healing. And then she said this:
"But I got here. I got here and none of that mattered. I was here. I was loved on. I was seen for who I was. I was validated. I was cheered on… SitP has allowed me to move past some of the yucky stuff I was still holding on to so tightly… I felt seen. I felt validated. I felt invigorated. I felt inspired."

This is STEAM in the PARK.
It’s not just about science and public lands. It’s about stories. It’s about showing up when life has tried to keep you down. It’s about finding your people under the stars and realizing that you don’t have to carry it all alone.

Rocky Mountain, you’ve once again lived up to the hype. And to all of our ROMO campers, thank you for being exactly who you are. We’ll never forget this week. And we know now—missing it really is something to fear. #ROMOFOMO forever.

#STEAMinthePARK #FireflyFamily #YouBelongHere