Day 1 of 90: Fireflies, Footsteps, and Finding Our People at Bryce Canyon ✨

And just like that… we’re off! STEAM in the PARK 2025 has officially begun—and where better to launch than the stunning hoodoos of Bryce Canyon National Park? This is our third time here in five years, and each return feels like a homecoming.

Registration was a breeze (thank you, ambassadors!) and within minutes, laughter echoed through the canyon walls. Our campers jumped right into games, bonding through joy, curiosity, and one especially unforgettable activity: Birds of a Feather. Everyone became their Audubon bird—flapping, calling, and migrating across the room to find others who were the same… and beautifully different. It was hilarious, chaotic, and surprisingly profound. A perfect metaphor for what this journey is all about: connection, diversity, and discovery.

After a delicious dinner and our book buddy exchange (new books, new friends, new adventures!), we paused to honor our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-year campers and gave the loudest, proudest cheer for our 20 incredible newbies. They may be new to this camp—but already feel like family.

Our theme tonight was Fireflies and Footsteps—a reflection on where we’ve been, and the light we hope to carry forward. Around the campfire (which almost didn’t happen—shoutout to Noah and Frank for finding their way back with the wood just in time!), we asked each other:

“What do you hope to carry home in your heart?”

The answers? Wonder. Friendship. Courage. Gratitude.
All lit like tiny lanterns in the night.

🔥 Campfire. Community. Curiosity. Day 1 set the tone—and the sky—aglow.

#STEAMinthePARK #Day1of90 #FirefliesAndFootsteps #BryceCanyon