​Day 1 | Acadia National Park

There is something special about coming back to a place that feels familiar while stepping into something completely new. Acadia is the same breathtaking national park that has welcomed us before, but this summer we are calling the College of the Atlantic home, and it already feels like such a gift. Nestled right along the shores of Frenchman's Bay in Bar Harbor, the campus is surrounded by the very landscapes our campers have come to explore. The college is known for its commitment to human ecology, studying the relationships between people, nature, and the communities we build together. It is hard to imagine a better place for a week centered on learning, wonder, and connection.

As campers arrived throughout the afternoon, there was that familiar mix of excitement and nervousness. Some faces were returning, but twelve people are experiencing STEAM in the PARK for the very first time, and we are so thankful they said yes to this adventure. It never takes long before strangers begin feeling a little less like strangers. Smiles turn into conversations. Conversations become shared laughter. Before anyone realizes it, a community starts taking shape.

We are grateful for our ambassadors this week, LeAnn, Holly, and Laura, who are already making everyone feel welcome. They even introduced Holly to her very first Burger King last night, which may not have been on the official camp schedule, but it certainly earned its place as one of the memorable moments of the trip.

Our first activity together was one that has become one of my favorites. During To Each Its Own, everyone searched for the red maple leaf that spoke to them. No two leaves looked alike. Some had tiny holes. Some had rough edges. Others carried scars from storms or insects or simply the passing of time. As we held those leaves in our hands, we talked about how people are much the same. Every one of us arrives carrying stories that others cannot always see. We all have places where life has left its mark. This week isn't about pretending those places don't exist. It is about offering one another grace while taking the time to really know the person standing beside us.

LeAnn brought that lesson home beautifully by reading The Invisible Boy. It reminded us that kindness changes people. A simple invitation, a thoughtful word, or making sure someone feels seen can completely change the course of a week. I hope that is exactly what happens here.

Dinner gave us another chance to gather around the table and begin building those relationships. The College of the Atlantic spoiled us with pork ribs, quinoa, spinach, soup, salad, and, of course, chocolate cookies to finish the meal. After dinner, we wrote stories, poems and songs from the perspective of our red maple leaf and then share the perspective stories everyone had written. There was laughter, creativity, and a few moments that made us stop and think. 

The evening ended with our Book Buddy exchange before everyone walked back to the residence houses for our Comfort, Growth, and Yikes Zone activity. Huddle groups settled into their houses and talked honestly about what they hope to grow in this week. Not what they hope to accomplish. Not what they hope to check off a list. How they hope to grow. There is a difference, and I think it matters.

As I sit here tonight looking out over Frenchman's Bay, I cannot help but wonder what this group will look like by Friday. If the first few hours are any indication, we are already weaving something beautiful together. Tomorrow we head out with Ranger Kate to explore Mount Desert Island. There will be mountains, stories, questions, and discoveries waiting for us. But I have a feeling the greatest discoveries this week won't just be about Acadia. They'll be about each other...and maybe even about ourselves.